SmartSearch Completes Acquisition of Credas to Enhance Digital Compliance Solutions

SmartSearch has completed the acquisition of Credas Technologies Ltd, a Cardiff-based identity verification provider and proud member of FinTech Wales. The acquisition strengthens SmartSearch’s position as one of the UK’s leading platforms for digital Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance.

The combined business brings together Credas’ cutting-edge technology and established brand with SmartSearch’s proven compliance platform, delivering greater flexibility, enhanced capability, and expanded innovation for regulated firms across sectors including financial services, legal, accountancy, property, and insurance.

Phil Cotter, CEO of SmartSearch, said the acquisition will streamline onboarding and ongoing monitoring for regulated firms by combining complementary technologies, delivering greater operational efficiency and accelerating product development.

SmartSearch currently supports over 7,500 UK customers with automated sanctions, Politically Exposed Person (PEP), Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO), and adverse media screening. With the addition of Credas’ client base, the combined business will serve more than 8,500 regulated firms, furthering SmartSearch’s growth trajectory.

Tim Barnett, CEO of Credas, highlighted the increasing importance of digital identity verification amid rising financial crime, noting that joining SmartSearch enables the business to support more organisations in protecting themselves and maintaining regulatory compliance.

The acquisition also underscores the strong backing of SmartSearch’s investor, Triple Private Equity, and reflects the successful execution of the company’s growth strategy. SmartSearch was recently named a 2025 Long-Term Growth Champion by the Financial Times and Statista, further validating its position as a leading digital compliance platform in the UK.