Bermuda's computer security experts, QuoVadis, have launched a new service to help Bermuda's law firms, banks and other service providers conduct their "know your client" due diligence.

With their partner iLumin, they are now offering advanced name scanning technology which checks watchlists compiled by key organisations including the United Nations, the UK Home Office and the Bank of England, the US FBI and Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the World Bank.

The software can be installed into a client's computer system and forms an extra link in a company's armour to prevent them from inadvertently taking on money launderers, terrorist financiers or other criminals as new clients.

This new technology represents a "one stop" shop for the "myriad of international lists" said Patrick Jost, director of compliance at iLumin.

It also has the language specific analysis to capture different spellings of names. For example, Qadaffi may be spelled in a variety of ways, such as Khadafy or Gadhafy.

"By using complex name variations, such as regional differences in spelling, individuals may slip through traditional screening processes and gain access to legitimate financial channels. List Examiner's intelligent agents examine these variables while reducing false positives." said Mr. Jost

As the Island's digital certificate authority, QuoVadis has also incorporated the name scanning technology into its own systems to ensure that its services are not provided to individuals or businesses on the international watchlists.

According to QuoVadis CEO Anthony Nagel, "Bermuda is committed to fulfilling the highest standards of due diligence. Using List Examiner, QuoVadis will enforce compliance with local legislation and with international standards such as the US PATRIOT Act and other internationally recognised best practices for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The software will also assist our clients in the insurance and financial service sector in fulfilling their responsibilities."

QuoVadis clients reinforce their accountability regimes using digital certificates for online identity, as well as electronic signatures for legally binding transactions and tamper-proof storage of important documents.

Tony Nagel continued: "QuoVadis and its clients conduct due diligence on every user before issuing a digital certificate to them. We will use List Examiner to reinforce our compliance activities, either by checking names interactively, or by integrating it directly into larger know-your-client systems."