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AML Buddy vs First AML: simple per-check AML or a full onboarding platform?

First AML UK Limited (Companies House 13802565, London, incorporated 2021) runs the UK service of First AML, an AML, KYC and KYB platform that also operates in New Zealand and Australia. Facts checked on 24 October 2026, with sources.

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How First AML and AML Buddy differ

First AML sells tiered plans priced on application; its entry plan is described as ideal for firms onboarding at least 400 individuals or 100 complex entities a year. AML Buddy publishes one price, £4.50 + VAT per check, with no minimum volume.

First AML is the stronger choice for entity clients, configurable workflows and practice-management integration. AML Buddy suits small firms with mainly individual clients.

AML Buddy wrote this page. We’ve tried to be fair and like-for-like; if anything is out of date, email hello@amlbuddy.com.

AML Buddy and First AML side by side

First AML serves: Accountants & bookkeepers, Solicitors & conveyancers, Estate & letting agents. Numbers in brackets link to the sources below.

AML Buddy compared with First AML, with a source for each First AML fact
Feature	AML Buddy	First AML
Published price	£4.50 + VAT (£5.40 inc. VAT) per check	Not published; all plans “POA”, varying by jurisdiction[1]
Entry minimum	None (packs from 10 checks)	“minimum 400 individuals or 100 complex entities / year” (Launch)[1]
Users	Unlimited team members, no per-user fee	20 (Launch), 50 (Optimise), unlimited (Transform)[1]
Contract	None — no subscription, contract or monthly minimum	Term set in the order; renews automatically for the same length unless 60 days’ notice is given[2]
VAT	Prices shown inc. and ex VAT	Fees exclude taxes unless the order says otherwise[2]
Getting started	Self-serve sign-up with 5 free checks	Talk to sales or book a demo; onboarding and training sessions by plan[1]
Client self-verifies by link	Yes, one secure link	Yes, branded requests by SMS or email[3]
Face match + liveness	Selfie match; no liveness check	Yes: AI-driven face match and liveness, plus document anti-tampering checks[4]
PEP, sanctions and adverse media	Included in every check	Yes; 1,100+ PEP and sanctions lists[5]
Ongoing monitoring	Ongoing re-screening	Daily PEP and sanctions monitoring, with exception alerts[5]
AI assistance	AI asks the client clarifying questions	AI document reader, entity reports, and an AI screening agent that labels results as false positive, false match or true match[6]
KYB / UBO	Coming soon	Yes: company structures traced to the UBO, using 300+ corporate registries and data sources[7]
Source of funds	Not offered	Yes, including through its Armalytix integration[8]
Integrations / API	None yet	Actionstep, Aderant, Elite 3E, Armalytix, Zapier; public GraphQL API with webhooks[8]
Security	None	ISO 27001; penetration-tested twice a year[9]
Data location	UK	EU region: AWS Ireland, with Frankfurt for disaster recovery[9]

Where First AML is stronger

Companies, trusts and complex ownership structures traced to the UBO, using 300+ corporate registries and data sources.
Configurable compliance rules, risk assessments, case management and tailored implementation.
Face match with liveness, document anti-tampering checks and daily PEP and sanctions monitoring.
AI tools that read complex documents and review screening results.
Source of funds, integrations with Actionstep, Aderant, Elite 3E and Zapier, an API, and ISO 27001.

Where AML Buddy is different

No minimum volume. Packs start at 10 checks.
No user limits, and no subscription to renew.
A published price, and you can start today with 5 free checks.

Who should choose which

Choose First AML if you are

Multi-office law and accounting firms.
Firms with frequent corporate, trust or international clients.
MLROs who want configurable workflows and practice-management integration.

Choose AML Buddy if you are

Small firms with mainly individual clients.
Firms with low or irregular volumes.
Firms that want to start without a sales call, user caps or an annual subscription.

AML Buddy vs First AML: questions

How much does First AML cost?

First AML doesn’t publish prices. All three plans are “POA” (price on application), and it says prices vary by jurisdiction. AML Buddy is £4.50 + VAT per check.

Is First AML suitable for a small firm?

Its entry plan is described as ideal for firms onboarding at least 400 individuals or 100 complex entities a year. If you run fewer checks, a per-check service may fit better.

How many users do I get?

First AML lists 20 users on Launch, 50 on Optimise and unlimited on Transform. AML Buddy has no user limit or per-user fee.

Does First AML handle companies and trusts?

Yes, including tracing ownership to the UBO. AML Buddy’s business checks are coming soon, so First AML is the stronger choice if most of your clients are entities.

Is there a First AML contract?

Yes. First AML’s master services agreement sets the subscription term in each order and renews it automatically for the same length unless either side gives 60 days’ notice. AML Buddy has no contract or subscription.

Where is First AML’s data hosted?

Its security page lists AWS Ireland as the primary EU region, with Frankfurt for disaster recovery. UK customers log in to a combined UK/EU platform.

Does First AML integrate with practice-management software?

Yes: Actionstep, Aderant and Elite 3E, plus Armalytix for source of funds, Zapier and a public API. AML Buddy has no integrations yet.

Can I switch from First AML to AML Buddy?

Yes. Keep your First AML records for five years after the business relationship ends (MLR 2017 regulation 40), then run new checks in AML Buddy. Check your order’s end date: the agreement renews automatically unless notice is given 60 days before the term ends.

Compare AML Buddy with other providers · AML Buddy pricing

Sources

All accessed 24 October 2026. First AML is a trademark of its owner; prices and features as published on its website on that date.

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