SmartSearch has agreed to acquire Credas Technologies Ltd, a leading provider of identity verification solutions for the legal and property industries.
The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, will strengthen SmartSearch’s position as one of the UK’s leading digital Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance platforms.
The integration of Credas’ technology and expertise will expand SmartSearch’s product range and market coverage, creating greater flexibility and value for clients operating in regulated sectors.
The combined businesses will focus on innovation, improving customer experience and supporting continued growth in a market facing increasing regulatory pressure.
Credas currently serves more than 1,000 legal and property firms, helping clients streamline onboarding and improve verification processes.
SmartSearch already works with over 7,500 clients and has recorded 31% year-on-year growth since 2013.
The acquisition follows private equity investment from Triple Private Equity in 2024, which has supported SmartSearch’s wider expansion strategy.
Phil Cotter, CEO of SmartSearch, 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.”
Tim Barnett, CEO of Credas, said: “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.”
Ben Shepherd, head of value creation and founding partner of Triple Private Equity and chairman of SmartSearch, added: “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.”
