8 Essential Compliance Tools in 2025 for Staying Audit-Ready

In today’s regulatory environment, compliance is not just something you check at the end of the year. It needs to be built into how your firm works every day.

Whether it’s client onboarding, AML checks, recordkeeping, or managing engagement letters, staying audit-ready has become a continuous responsibility. Falling behind can lead to more than just penalties. It risks client relationships, damages your reputation, and turns routine reviews into time-consuming fire drills.

This is where the right compliance tools come in. These tools help reduce the admin burden, bring clarity to your process, and make sure your team is ready for an audit whenever it happens. Instead of chasing emails and manually updating spreadsheets, your firm can rely on systems that track, verify, and store everything in one place.

In this guide, we’ve reviewed eight compliance tools that help firms stay prepared throughout the year, not just during audit season.

we will guide you through:

What Makes a Good Compliance Tool?

Before choosing a compliance tool, it helps to know what really matters. Here are the core features to look for:

• Audit Trails
  A good system keeps a record of who did what and when, perfect for internal checks or formal reviews.
• Access Controls
  Let the right team members see the right information, while keeping sensitive data protected.
• AML & KYC Checks
  Built-in features to verify client identities and screen for risks, without relying on separate tools.
• Bank Account Verification
  Confirm ownership of bank accounts instantly, without chasing PDFs or manual uploads.
• Exportable Reports
  Need to prep for an audit? Easily download the data you need with clear, structured reports.
• Software Integration
  Make sure it works with what you already use — like Xero, QuickBooks, or your practice management tools.

8 Top-Rated Compliance Tools [2025]

1. Xama

Xama is a UK-based Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance platform designed specifically for accounting firms and professional services. It streamlines client onboarding, identity verification, and ongoing compliance monitoring, helping firms stay audit-ready with minimal manual effort.

Best For

• Accounting firms seeking a comprehensive AML compliance solution
• Practices requiring efficient client onboarding and risk assessments
• Teams aiming to automate identity verification and document management

Key Features

• ID Collection and Verification: Securely collect and verify client identity documents, including proof of address, using biometric checks.
• AML Checks: Perform AML checks with PEP and sanctions screening, verifying address information against multiple sources such as credit bureaus and the electoral register.
• Risk Assessments: Track and record risk assessments for each client using sample templates or custom criteria.
• Companies House Integration: Identify beneficial owners and receive notifications when directors or persons with significant control change.
• Document Management: Store and manage AML documents with built-in optical character recognition (OCR) functionality.
• Monitoring: Set up configurable monitored searches and receive alerts for changes in client status.

Pros

• Comprehensive AML compliance features tailored for UK accounting firms
• Pay-as-you-go pricing model with affordable subscription options
• Seamless integrations with platforms like FreeAgent, QuickBooks, Sage, and Xero
• User-friendly interface with support for unlimited free users

Cons

• KYB functionality is limited to the UK
• May lack advanced customization options for complex onboarding needs

Pricing

• Free Plan: Available for basic AML checks.​
• Core Plan: Starts from £13 per month (excluding VAT).​
• Pay-as-you-go: Individual AML checks available from £2.00 per contact.

2. Finexer

Finexer is a UK-based Open Banking provider that gives accounting firms a powerful advantage in compliance-heavy workflows. While most compliance tools stop at ID checks or document uploads, Finexer goes further — combining real-time bank data, identity verification, and facial recognition into a single, audit-ready workflow.

Instead of chasing bank statements, asking clients to send PDFs, or manually reviewing documents, your firm can access verified financial data, identity scores, and onboarding reports — all in one place.

Best For

• Accounting firms handling client onboarding, AML checks, or KYC processes
• Teams that need to verify identity and financial data quickly and securely
• Firms preparing audit trails for HMRC, AML regulators, or financial partners

Key Features

• Bank-Verified Identity Checks
  Clients can log in using their bank credentials, allowing Finexer to instantly match the name they provide with the one on file at their financial institution.
• Facial Recognition with Similarity Scoring
  Combine selfie uploads with ID scans (e.g. passport or driving license). Finexer runs a real-time facial comparison and generates a similarity score report to confirm identity accuracy.
• Document Data Extraction
  Finexer automatically extracts structured data from uploaded identity documents — including full name, address, date of birth, and ID number — reducing the need for manual entry or OCR tools.
• Financial Analysis and Insights
  Gain access to verified bank account summaries, including balances, cash flow volumes, transaction history, and monthly activity breakdowns. Ideal for compliance reviews or credit risk assessments.
• Multi-Layered Workflows
  Finexer lets you tailor your onboarding or compliance checks based on your process. Use only document verification, or combine it with Open Banking and selfie comparison — all within one interface.

Pros

• Verifies both identity and financial data in a single flow
• Eliminates document chasing and client follow-ups
• Useful for both one-time onboarding and ongoing AML checks
• Supports real-time data extraction for fast reporting and decision-making
• Ideal for building audit logs and compliance reports with minimal admin

Cons

• Setup may require a small learning curve for firms unfamiliar with Open Banking
• Newer in the market

Pricing

• Startup Plan: Tailored for new businesses, offering discounted pricing and essential features.​
• Standard Plan: Designed for established businesses, providing a comprehensive suite of tools.​
• Enterprise Plan: Customised for high-volume operations, including account management and migration assistance.
• Finexer offers a free trial with no setup or cancellation fees.

3. ComplyAdvantage

ComplyAdvantage is a UK-based RegTech company specializing in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and fraud detection solutions. Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, it offers real-time financial crime risk data to help businesses detect and prevent illicit activities.

Best For

• Financial institutions seeking real-time AML risk detection
• Businesses aiming to automate customer screening and transaction monitoring
• Organizations requiring comprehensive compliance solutions

Key Features

• Customer Screening: Screen clients against sanctions, PEPs, watchlists, and adverse media using advanced AI algorithms.
• Transaction Monitoring: Monitor transactions in real-time to identify suspicious activities and reduce false positives.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously track changes in customer risk profiles to ensure up-to-date compliance.
• Company Screening: Evaluate the risk profiles of business entities and monitor them for compliance.
• Sanctions & Watchlists: Access extensive global coverage of sanctions lists and watchlists for thorough screening.

Pros

• Reduces false positives by up to 70%, enhancing operational efficiency
• Offers customizable screening configurations to align with specific risk appetites
• Provides a user-friendly interface with rapid setup and integration capabilities
• Supports scalability, accommodating businesses of various sizes

Cons

• Some users have reported challenges with customer support responsiveness
• Advanced features may require additional training for optimal utilisation

Pricing

• Starter Plan: Monitor up to 1,000 customers with screening and monitoring included. Quick setup available.
• Premium Plan: Tailored for monitoring over 1,000 customers, with customizable features to suit business needs.

4. NorthRow

NorthRow is a UK-based digital compliance platform that helps accounting firms perform Know Your Business (KYB), Know Your Customer (KYC), and ongoing risk monitoring with ease. It centralises identity checks, AML compliance, and business verification into a single, easy-to-manage system — ideal for firms juggling regulatory requirements across multiple clients.

Best For

• Accounting firms needing ongoing monitoring of business clients
• Teams performing KYB and AML checks across multiple entities
• Firms looking to automate risk screening and reduce manual reviews

Key Features

• KYB and KYC Checks: Verify business ownership structures, UBOs, and individual identities through reliable data sources including Companies House
• PEP and Sanctions Screening: Check individuals and businesses against politically exposed persons (PEP), global sanctions lists, and watchlists
• Ongoing Monitoring: Receive automatic alerts when risk status changes, such as changes in directorships or adverse media mentions
• Customisable Risk Profiles: Tailor how you assess clients based on your firm’s internal policies or sector-specific requirements
• Dashboard and Reporting: Track the status of each check, generate downloadable audit trails, and manage risk reviews centrally

Pros

• Well-suited for firms managing a mix of individual and corporate clients
• UK-focused checks align with local regulatory expectations
• Easy to navigate interface with clear audit-ready logs
• Helps meet FCA and HMRC AML compliance guidelines

Cons

• May be more feature-rich than necessary for smaller practices
• Requires an understanding of AML risk scoring to fully customise profiles

Pricing

• Pricing is tailored based on usage and number of checks
• Volume-based discounts and onboarding support available

5. SmartSearch

SmartSearch is an all-in-one electronic verification platform used by accountants, law firms, and financial services providers across the UK. It enables firms to perform secure and compliant AML checks in just a few clicks, with automated ID verification, PEP/sanctions screening, and full audit trail generation.

It’s particularly useful for firms that want to reduce the time spent on manual checks and keep all compliance activity in one central platform.

Best For

• UK accounting firms handling high volumes of ID verification
• Practices that need to meet AML obligations without added admin
• Firms looking for a plug-and-play solution with minimal setup

Key Features

• ID Verification: Quickly check identity documents against official databases using credit file and biometric matching
• PEP & Sanctions Screening: Real-time checks against global watchlists with ongoing alerts if risk status changes
• Address Checks: Verify current and historical UK addresses through credit reference data
• Business Checks (KYB): Validate company registration, director information, and UBOs
• Audit Trail: Every check is automatically logged and available for instant export in the event of a review or inspection

Pros

• Full end-to-end AML check within a single platform
• FCA-compliant with built-in reporting
• Ongoing monitoring available without extra admin
• No integration required to get started

Cons

• Some firms may prefer more flexible pricing models
• User interface could feel dated compared to newer platforms

Pricing

• Pay-as-you-go and volume-based packages available
• Pricing varies based on number of users and checks

6. GoProposal by Sage

GoProposal is a proposal, pricing, and engagement letter platform designed for accounting firms that want to stay compliant with client agreements and fee transparency. It ensures every new engagement is backed by a properly structured letter that aligns with your AML and regulatory obligations.

Unlike traditional tools that separate pricing, onboarding, and compliance letters, GoProposal combines everything into one workflow that’s fast, repeatable, and audit-ready.

Best For

• Accountants who need compliant engagement letters for each service
• Firms looking to standardise how they price and onboard clients
• Practices aiming to stay consistent with AML and risk documentation

Key Features

• Automated Engagement Letters: Create customised, compliant letters for each service in minutes
• Integrated Pricing Engine: Calculate fees based on client size, service scope, or complexity
• Template Library: Use pre-approved engagement templates aligned with UK accounting standards
• Approval Tracking: See when a proposal was accepted and who signed it
• AML Document Linking: Attach AML forms or verification documents to each engagement file

Pros

• Ensures consistent, documented compliance with every client
• Saves time by combining proposals, pricing, and letters in one place
• Reduces the chance of missed documents or outdated templates
• Integrates with tools like Xero Practice Manager and QuickBooks

Cons

• Focused on engagement compliance, not full AML or KYC workflows
• Pricing model may be more suitable for firms with higher onboarding volumes

Pricing

• Solo Plan: £75 per month (excl. VAT).
• Basic Plan: £105 per month (excl. VAT).
• Standard Plan: £140 per month (excl. VAT).
• Premium Plan: £225 per month (excl. VAT).

7. Ignition (formerly Practice Ignition)

Ignition is a client engagement and billing platform designed for professional services firms, including accountants and bookkeepers. It streamlines the proposal process, automates billing, and ensures compliance by providing clear, legally binding agreements.

Best For

• Firms seeking to automate client onboarding and engagement processes
• Practices aiming to reduce administrative overhead and improve cash flow
• Businesses looking to maintain a clear audit trail of client agreements and payments

Key Features

• Digital Proposals: Create and send professional proposals with integrated pricing and service details.
• Engagement Letters: Automatically generate and manage legally binding engagement letters.
• E-Signatures: Obtain secure, legally recognized electronic signatures from clients.
• Automated Billing: Set up recurring billing schedules and payment collection.
• Client Management: Track client interactions and manage services efficiently.

Pros

• Enhances client experience with streamlined onboarding
• Reduces manual tasks through automation
• Maintains compliance with clear documentation and audit trails
• Integrates with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks Online

Cons

• Does not perform AML or KYC checks; should be used in conjunction with other compliance tools
• Payment processing features are currently available only in select countries

Pricing

Ignition offers a 14-day free trial with access to all features. After the trial, pricing plans are as follows:

• Solo Plan: Designed for solopreneurs with up to 20 active clients and one user license.
• Core Plan: Suitable for small teams, supporting up to 50 active clients and three user licenses.
• Pro Plan: For growing firms, accommodating up to 350 active clients and 15 user licenses.
• Pro+ Plan: Tailored for larger organizations with custom active client tiers and unlimited users.

8. DocuWare

DocuWare is a secure document management and workflow automation platform used by firms that need strict control over sensitive records. For accounting practices, it supports audit readiness by storing client documents securely, managing access by role, and tracking every interaction through detailed logs.

It’s especially valuable for firms handling high volumes of compliance documentation, whether for onboarding, tax records, or internal review files.

Best For

• Firms needing structured document retention and access control
• Teams preparing for audits, internal reviews, or regulatory inspections
• Practices that want to centralise all client-related files and activity logs

Key Features

• Secure Digital Storage: Encrypt and archive documents in the cloud or on-premise
• Workflow Automation: Build approval chains, document routing, and review steps
• Role-Based Access: Set permissions by team member, client, or document type
• Audit Trails: Every document action is logged and time-stamped
• Integration Support: Works with accounting platforms like QuickBooks, Sage, and others

Pros

• Keeps client files organised, accessible, and protected
• Simplifies document collection and review workflows
• Helps meet GDPR and audit requirements with full logging
• Offers both cloud and on-premise deployment options

Cons

• More advanced setup compared to entry-level tools
• Best suited for firms with ongoing compliance workloads or security needs

Pricing

DocuWare offers multiple cloud-based packages based on user count and storage needs. Plans typically scale from small teams to enterprise setups. Pricing is available on request.

Which Compliance Tools Should You Use?

The right compliance tools depend on your firm’s workflow and where you feel the most friction. If you’re managing AML risk across multiple clients, Xama helps document and score that risk in a way that’s easy to keep up-to-date. Need to verify identity and bank ownership in one go? Finexer makes that possible through Open Banking, facial recognition, and document checks, all in a single process.

For firms focused on ongoing monitoring, ComplyAdvantage helps screen clients against sanctions and PEP lists in real time, while NorthRow is ideal if you need to validate business clients and keep track of changes at Companies House. Tools like SmartSearch offer quick identity checks with exportable logs, which are helpful if you’re regularly preparing for inspections.

If your bottleneck is client onboarding and engagement letters, GoProposal by Sage simplifies the entire process with pricing, proposals, and documentation in one place. And when it comes to collecting and managing documents, Ignition and DocuWare help keep everything organised, secure, and audit-ready.

How Finexer Helps Firms Stay Audit-Ready

Finexer isn’t just a tool for Open Banking, it’s a practical way to keep your compliance process sharp and audit-ready at all times.

Here’s how it helps:

• Access real-time bank data
  Get up-to-date transaction details and balances directly from UK banks with client consent. No chasing statements.
• Verify identity and bank ownership together
  Use document scanning, facial recognition, and name-matching in one flow. No separate tools or delays.
• Build clean audit trails without extra effort
  Every action is logged and time-stamped. Export reports when needed for internal reviews or external checks.
• Simplify onboarding and reduce back-and-forth
  Collect financial data and verify clients within minutes. No spreadsheets, no follow-ups.
• Fits into your existing tech stack
  Use Finexer alongside your AML, practice management, and accounting tools. No need to change how you work.