SmartSearch Acquires Credas to Deepen Digital KYC and AML Capabilities
UK digital compliance specialist SmartSearch has completed the acquisition of Credas Technologies Ltd, strengthening its position as one of the country’s leading providers of digital KYC and AML answers. The deal brings together two complementary compliance technology platforms at a time of rising regulatory scrutiny and increasing financial crime risk.
The combined business will support regulated firms across financial services, legal, accountancy, property, and insurance, offering greater flexibility and innovation in customer onboarding, identity verification, and ongoing monitoring.
With Credas integrated, SmartSearch expands both its customer base and its product depth, reinforcing its growth .
Combining Complementary Compliance Technologies
The acquisition unites Credas’ digital identity verification technology with SmartSearch’s established compliance platform, which already delivers automated sanctions, PEP, UBO, and adverse media screening. Together, the platforms are designed to detection and monitoring.
SmartSearch CEO Phil Cotter said the transaction allows the group to combine complementary technologies to improve efficiency for regulated firms and accelerate product development across its compliance suite.
By integrating Credas’ capabilities, SmartSearch aims to offer a more flexible and comprehensive approach to compliance, assisting firms adapt more easily to changing regulatory requirements and risk profiles.
Expanded Reach Across Regulated Sectors
Prior to the acquisition, SmartSearch supported more than 7,500 UK customers. With Credas now part of the group, the combined business will serve over 8,500 regulated firms across multiple sectors.
Credas CEO Tim Barnett highlighted the growing importance of digital identity verification as financial crime continues to rise, noting that the combination will enable the technology to reach a wider range of businesses.
The enlarged customer base strengthens SmartSearch’s market presence and provides greater scale to invest in innovation, at a time when firms are under pressure to balance compliance rigor with quicker, more user-friendly onboarding.
Investor Backing and Growth Strategy
The deal also underscores the backing of SmartSearch’s private equity investor, Triple Private Equity, and the execution of the company’s .
SmartSearch was named a 2025 Long-Term Growth Champion by the Financial Times and Statista, recognition that reflects sustained expansion and compliance space.
Triple’s Head of Value Creation and Founding Partner Ben Shepherd said the acquisition reinforces SmartSearch’s upward trajectory and positions the company to continue leading innovation in a rapidly evolving market for digital compliance answers.
