Ilkley-based digital compliance specialist SmartSearch has completed the acquisition of Credas Technologies.
The acquisition brings together two complementary compliance technology providers with the shared goal of enhancing digital compliance, streamlining onboarding and monitoring processes, and supporting regulated firms as regulatory expectations around KYC and AML continue to evolve. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The rationale behind the acquisition centres on combining Credas’ digital identity verification technology and established brand with SmartSearch’s broader compliance platform and market presence. By integrating their capabilities, the combined business aims to deliver greater flexibility, faster innovation and more efficient compliance workflows for regulated firms operating in sectors such as financial services, legal, accountancy, property and insurance.
SmartSearch provides automated sanctions, PEP, UBO and adverse media screening to more than 7,500 UK customers. Its platform is designed to help organisations manage financial crime risk, meet regulatory obligations and reduce manual compliance processes through automation. Following the acquisition, the combined business will serve more than 8,500 regulated firms, marking a further step in SmartSearch’s ongoing growth strategy.
Credas specialises in digital identity verification and onboarding technology, enabling businesses to verify customers remotely and securely. Its solutions are used by regulated organisations seeking to reduce fraud risk while maintaining a smooth customer experience during onboarding. The integration of Credas’ technology is expected to strengthen SmartSearch’s end-to-end compliance offering, particularly in digital identity and customer due diligence.
The acquisition also highlights the continued support of SmartSearch’s investor, Triple Private Equity, and reflects the execution of SmartSearch’s longer-term growth strategy. Backed by this investment, SmartSearch has expanded its platform and customer base, and was named a 2025 Long-Term Growth Champion by the Financial Times and Statista, recognising its sustained performance and market position within the digital compliance space.
SmartSearch CEO Phil Cotter said, “This acquisition enables us to streamline onboarding and monitoring for regulated firms, combining complementary technologies to deliver greater efficiency and accelerate product development.”
Credas CEO Tim Barnett said, “With financial crime on the rise, digital identity verification is more critical than ever. Joining SmartSearch allows us to help more businesses protect themselves and maintain compliance.”
Ben Shepherd, head of value creation & founding partner at Triple said, “The acquisition of Credas reflects SmartSearch’s continued upward trajectory in the market for digital compliance solutions. We have no doubt that SmartSearch, with the addition of Credas, will continue to trailblaze in this fast-moving market.”
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