What It is
A politically exposed person is an individual entrusted with a prominent public function — or a close family member or associate — subject to enhanced due diligence under anti-money-laundering rules because of a higher risk profile.
What it is not
Being a PEP is not an accusation of wrongdoing; it is a risk classification that triggers additional checks, not a bar to transacting.
Where it is used
PEP status is assessed during customer onboarding and property or financial transactions as part of AML and KYC checks.
Related Terms
How we define terms
Every definition on glossary.ae follows a controlled structure: what the term is, what it is not, when it is used, and where you will see it. Read our editorial methodology to understand how terms are selected, reviewed, and maintained.
Read editorial methodology →
Last reviewed: August 2026