A politically exposed person (PEP) is someone who currently holds – or has previously held – a prominent public position. This includes the following:
a) Heads of State or Government, ministers and deputy or assistant ministers
b) Members of parliament or similar legislative bodies
c) Senior officials of political parties
d) Members of supreme courts, constitutional courts or other high-level judicial bodies whose decisions cannot be appealed
e) Members of courts of auditors or boards of central banks
f) Ambassadors, chargés d'affaires, and high-ranking military officers
g) Senior leaders of state-owned companies (administrative, management or supervisory roles)
h) Directors, deputy directors or board members of international organizations
Close family members of a politically exposed person are also considered PEPs. This includes the following:
a) The spouse or person considered equivalent to a spouse
b) The children and their spouses, or persons considered equivalent to spouses
c) The parents of the PEP
People who have close business or personal ties with a politically exposed person are also considered PEPs. This includes the following:
a) Individuals who share beneficial ownership of a company or other legal arrangement with a PEP, or who have close business relationships with them
b) Individuals who own a company or legal arrangement that is known to exist for the benefit of a PEP