SmartSearch has announced its agreement to acquire Credas Technologies, a prominent identity verification provider serving the legal and property sectors.
The acquisition, which remains subject to regulatory approval, marks a key milestone in SmartSearch’s expansion strategy within the UK’s rapidly evolving digital compliance market.
The acquisition aims to accelerate SmartSearch’s growth and enhance its leadership in digital compliance. While the value of the deal has not been disclosed, the integration of Credas’ technology and expertise will expand SmartSearch’s product portfolio and client reach. The move strengthens the company’s position in a market facing growing regulatory pressure and demand for streamlined onboarding solutions.
SmartSearch, established as one of the UK’s foremost digital compliance providers, offers a comprehensive platform enabling regulated firms to automate KYC, AML, and customer due diligence processes. The company serves over 7,500 clients across sectors such as financial services, legal, and property, and has achieved an impressive 31% year-on-year growth since 2013. The firm received significant backing from Triple Private Equity in 2024, which has fuelled its ambitious expansion plans and technological advancements.
Credas, meanwhile, supports over 1,000 clients in the legal and property industries, providing cutting-edge digital identity verification tools that simplify onboarding and strengthen fraud prevention. Its technology enables clients to meet compliance standards efficiently while improving customer experience and operational resilience.
The acquisition brings together two major forces in digital verification, combining SmartSearch’s compliance expertise with Credas’ advanced identity solutions. Together, they aim to deliver greater innovation, flexibility, and security to clients navigating increasingly stringent regulatory landscapes.
SmartSearch CEO Phil Cotter said, “Regulated firms are under pressure to meet rising KYC and AML demands while delivering seamless onboarding. By joining forces with Credas, we combine our strengths to deliver unmatched innovation and service. Our clients will see immediate benefits as we continue to set the standard for digital compliance.”
Credas CEO Tim Barnett added, “With financial crime on the rise and fraud tactics evolving, digital identity verification is more critical than ever. Partnering with SmartSearch empowers us to help even more businesses protect themselves and focus on delivering quality service.”
Triple Private Equity head of value creation and founding partner, and SmartSearch chairman, Ben Shepherd, commented, “The acquisition of Credas reflects SmartSearch’s continued upward trajectory in the market for digital compliance solutions. In 2024, Triple was impressed by the organisation’s consistent growth and customer-centric approach, together with its high-quality technology platform. Today’s news confirms that our confidence was well founded; we have no doubt that SmartSearch, with the addition of Credas, will continue to trailblaze in this fast-moving market.”
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