Resources

Escrow & TPMA Glossary

Our glossary of terms of art in the world of escrow and third-party managed payments

Welcome to the dospay Glossary — your go-to resource for understanding essential terms in escrow, managed accounts, construction finance, and regulated transactions. Each term includes a clear definition, when to use it, and why it matters.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

AML refers to regulations, processes, and laws designed to prevent criminals from disguising illegally obtained money as legitimate. Secure, FCA-regulated service with Bank of England deposits.

Beneficial Owner

A beneficial owner is an individual who ultimately owns or controls a business or the client’s funds, even if they are not the direct customer.

Beneficiary

Read more about the meaning of "Beneficiary" and its importance in compliance when it comes to opening financial accounts, escrow accounts or high-interest deposit accounts.

Customer Due Diligence (CDD)

CDD is a legal requirement under AML regulations involving verifying the identity of clients using reliable documentation, assessing money laundering risks, and ensuring clients are not involved in illicit activities.

DiPPA

A DiPPA is an acronym for a regulated project bank account with a technology twist - allowing all parties to engage with it directly through a digital interface.

Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)

EDD is a higher level of scrutiny applied in situations presenting increased risk, such as dealings with Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) or clients from high-risk jurisdictions.

Escrow

Read more about the meaning of "Escrow" and how it can add transparency, security and trust in high-value, complex or long-term transactions.

Escrow Agent

Read more about the meaning of an "Escrow Agent" and how they are increasingly used in complex, high-value or long-duration transactions. Secure, FCA-regulated service with Bank of England deposits.

High-Value Dealer (HVD)

A high-value dealer is a business that trades in goods involving transactions over €10,000 (approximately £8,500). Secure, FCA-regulated service with Bank of England deposits.

KYB

Read more about the meaning of "KYB" or "Know Your Business" and its importance in compliance when it comes to opening financial accounts, escrow accounts or high-interest deposit accounts.

KYC

Read more about the meaning of "KYC" or "Know Your Client" and its importance in compliance when it comes to opening financial accounts, escrow accounts or high-interest deposit accounts.

KYT

Read more about the meaning of "KYT" or "Know Your Trust" and its importance in compliance when it comes to opening financial accounts, escrow accounts or high-interest deposit accounts.

Licence to Alter

Read more about the meaning of "Licence to Alter" in leasehold situations and how they are necessary for almost every kind of serious construction project on a leasehold property.

Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI)

OFSI is a UK government body responsible for ensuring compliance with financial sanctions. Secure, FCA-regulated service with Bank of England deposits.

Politically Exposed Person (PEP)

A PEP is someone who holds or has held significant public office or is closely connected to such individuals. Secure, FCA-regulated service with Bank of England deposits.

Project Bank Account

Read more about the meaning of "Project Bank Account" and how they can be used in construction projects to reduce risk to the client and the supply chain, and deliver cost savings.

Record-Keeping

Record-keeping under AML regulations involves maintaining accurate documentation of all transactions, client identity verifications, risk assessments, and sanctions checks.

Sanctions Screening

Sanctions screening involves checking clients against official government or international sanction lists to ensure businesses do not engage with restricted individuals or entities.

Security for Expenses

Read more about the meaning of "Security for Expenses" in a party wall context and what they are used for when a building owner is considering building works.

Source of Funds

Read more about the meaning of "Source of Funds" and its importance in compliance when it comes to opening financial accounts, escrow accounts or high-interest deposit accounts.

Source of Wealth

Read more about the meaning of "Source of Wealth" and its importance in compliance when it comes to opening financial accounts, escrow accounts or high-interest deposit accounts.

TPMA

Read more about the meaning of "TPMA" or "Third-Party Managed Account" and how many professional services providers are now using them to hold and manage client funds securely and transparently.

Trust Protector

Read more about the meaning of "Trust Protector" and its importance in compliance when it comes to opening financial accounts, escrow accounts or high-interest deposit accounts.

Trustee

Read more about the meaning of "Trustee" and its importance in compliance when it comes to opening financial accounts, escrow accounts or high-interest deposit accounts.

UBO

Read more about the meaning of "UBO" or "Ultimate Beneficial Owner" and its importance in compliance when it comes to opening financial accounts, escrow accounts or high-interest deposit accounts.