The Tool Desk
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How exact and fuzzy searches differ
In OFAC’s Sanctions List Search, the score threshold controls how closely a searched name must resemble names on OFAC’s lists to appear in results. The slider defaults to 100, which OFAC describes as an exact match. Lowering it returns broader potential matches. A score is a measure of name similarity in this tool, not a probability that two records refer to the same party.
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| Approach | What it does in Sanctions List Search | Practical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Exact threshold (100) | Returns exact name matches, according to OFAC. | Narrower results may be easier to review, but a name that differs from the listed form may not appear at this threshold. |
| Lower fuzzy threshold | Returns potential results deemed sufficiently similar under the tool’s matching logic. OFAC’s FAQ 248 gives 50 as an example: results are names considered at least 50% similar by that logic. | Broader searching can surface name variations, while increasing the number of results that need review. OFAC does not publish an error rate for either approach. |
The 50 example is not a 50% chance that the searched party is the listed party. It is a similarity score in OFAC’s search tool. These descriptions apply to Sanctions List Search; they should not be assumed to describe every commercial screening system or its score scale.
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OFAC says the tool uses character and string matching as well as phonetic matching. Its documented methods include Jaro-Winkler string comparison and Soundex phonetic comparison. The tool compares whole names and name parts, then returns the higher score. These are details of OFAC’s own search tool, not a specification for other providers’ software.
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Fuzzy logic applies to the name field only. Other fields in Sanctions List Search use character matching. A fuzzy name search therefore does not mean that every identifier or field is being compared fuzzily.
Why OFAC gives no universal threshold
OFAC says it cannot recommend a specific match threshold because each search has its own facts. It directs users to set thresholds according to their internal risk assessments and established compliance practices. A lower threshold may be appropriate when a process needs to catch more possible name variations, but it also creates more alerts to assess. The right balance depends on the organization and the screening context; OFAC does not designate one score as right for every search.
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How to assess a potential match
An alert is a reason to investigate, not a determination. OFAC advises comparing the full sanctions-list entry with available information about the customer or transaction. Its guidance notes that many potential matches are false positives, but it does not provide a false-positive percentage.
- Open the full list entry. Review the complete record rather than relying on the name and score alone.
- Compare available identifiers. Check relevant details such as date of birth, identification numbers, nationality, location, and other information in the list entry against the customer or transaction record.
- Assess the combined information. Consider the name similarity together with matching, conflicting, or missing identifiers under your organization’s established procedures.
- Follow your escalation and decision process. Apply the organization’s risk-based controls to resolve the alert; do not treat the public search score by itself as proof of identity or sanctions status.
How aliases affect screening
OFAC defines a “weak AKA” as a relatively broad or generic alias that may generate a large volume of false hits in computer-based screening. A weak alias can still help confirm a possible match when supported by other identifying information. Evaluate it in the context of the whole list entry rather than treating an alias hit as conclusive.
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Use current lists and tool-specific guidance
Sanctions-list contents change, so operational screening should use current OFAC list information and the organization’s applicable procedures. OFAC notes that some businesses may consider commercially available screening software depending on their scale, sophistication, and risk profile; that is not an endorsement of a particular product. Whatever tool is used, confirm how its matching methods and score scale work before applying OFAC’s Sanctions List Search behavior to it.
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