# Custom Lists

### Custom Lists Overview

Custom Lists let you create **custom screening lists** in ComplyCube. Use them to extend ComplyCube’s [AML Screening Checks](/documentation/product-guides/watchlist-pep-and-adverse-media/aml-screening-check.md) with your own internal or proprietary data.

Screen both **individuals** and **businesses** during **KYC** and **KYB**.

Typical lists include blocked customers, internal fraud lists, high-risk counterparties, and jurisdiction-specific risk lists.

{% hint style="info" %}
This service is only available through our **Enterprise Plan**. Get in touch with your Account Manager to enable it.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
[Learn about the Custom Lists API.](https://docs.complycube.com/api-reference/tools/custom-lists)
{% endhint %}

### Common use cases

Use Custom Lists to improve screening coverage in cases like:

* **Internal watchlists**: Screen against your blocked customers and internal fraud lists.
* **Regulatory and enforcement lists**: Screen against industry-specific regulatory actions, enforcement notices, or prohibited entities relevant to your sector.
* **Shared fraud databases**: Screen against consortium or third-party fraud lists to identify known bad actors before approval.
* **Higher-risk portfolios**: Add bespoke risk lists for specific products or jurisdictions.

### How custom lists works

Once a Custom List is created, you can upload entities using **CSV files**, **API requests**, or an **SFTP integration**.

These lists are then included in AML screening checks alongside ComplyCube’s global datasets.

<figure><img src="/files/o7gYB3L9vpQXfdcNzwHs" alt="ComplyCube Custom Lists view for custom watchlists and AML screening"><figcaption><p>Custom Lists view in the ComplyCube Portal</p></figcaption></figure>

### Upload options

You can upload and manage Custom List entities using the following methods:

<table><thead><tr><th width="131.53125">Method</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Web</strong> <strong>Portal</strong></td><td>Create and manage lists, then upload entity data via CSV through the <a href="https://portal.complycube.com/tools/customLists">Custom Screening Lists</a> page. See the <a href="/spaces/KyFKMqftsmT6qln9zo5y/pages/-MVvn2s46XsSTMJqh5ip#csv-template">CSV template</a>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>API</strong></td><td><a href="https://docs.complycube.com/api-reference/tools/custom-lists">Add and update entities programmatically</a> in real time using the Custom Lists API.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>SFTP</strong></td><td>Schedule secure CSV or JSON uploads via SFTP for automated list refreshes. Contact your <strong>Account Manager</strong> for setup details.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### CSV template

To use our CSV template:

1. Download the **sample template** below.
2. Open it in **Excel**, **Numbers**, or any compatible spreadsheet editor.
3. Keep the first row unchanged, it contains the required column headers needed for correct parsing.
4. Enter your data into the relevant columns.
5. Save the file once complete.
6. Upload it through the Portal.

{% file src="/files/-MVx2NbvEXyKUrOmlmlZ" %}
Sample Template
{% endfile %}

### Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>What are Custom Lists used for?</summary>

AML custom watchlists help you screen against internal or proprietary risk data during **KYC** and **KYB**.

Use them for blocked customers, internal fraud records, high-risk counterparties, and sector-specific or jurisdiction-specific screening lists.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What can I add to a Custom List?</summary>

You can add both **individuals** and **businesses**.

Typical entries include blocked customers, internal fraud cases, high-risk counterparties, and sector-specific or jurisdiction-specific watchlists.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How do I upload or update Custom List data?</summary>

You can manage data through the **Portal**, the **Custom Lists API**, or **SFTP**.

Use the Portal for manual CSV uploads. Use the API or SFTP for automated or recurring updates.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will Custom Lists be screened alongside ComplyCube datasets?</summary>

Yes.

Once configured, Custom Lists are included in AML screening checks alongside ComplyCube’s global screening data.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I use Custom Lists for both KYC and KYB screening?</summary>

Yes.

Custom Lists support screening for both **individuals** and **businesses**, so they fit both **KYC** and **KYB** use cases.

</details>

### Related checks

Combine Custom Lists-enabled screening with other KYC and fraud checks, such as:

* [Document Check](/documentation/product-guides/identity-verification/document-check.md) for ID document verification.
* [Identity Check](/documentation/product-guides/biometric-and-liveness-verification/identity-check.md) for biometric liveness verification.
* [Multi-Bureau Check](/documentation/product-guides/identity-verification/multi-bureau-check.md) for identity and address verification.
* [Device Intelligence](/documentation/product-guides/digital-fraud-intelligence/device-intelligence-check.md) for device-level fraud signals (VPN, emulator, root/jailbreak).

### Related topics

Use these to configure screening coverage, run it at scale, and manage outcomes:

* [Workflows](/documentation/product-guides/compliance-studio/workflows.md) to orchestrate screening inside onboarding journeys.
* [Bulk Processing](/documentation/product-guides/watchlist-pep-and-adverse-media/bulk-processing.md) to run screening checks at scale using CSV uploads.
* [Policies](/documentation/product-guides/compliance-studio/policies.md) to apply consistent decision rules across workflow sessions.
* [Automation](/documentation/product-guides/due-diligence-tools/customisable-thresholds.md) to tune screening thresholds (*standalone checks only*).
* [AML Risk Scoring](/documentation/product-guides/due-diligence-tools/risk-profile.md) to add risk indicators and support CDD/EDD decisions.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.complycube.com/documentation/product-guides/watchlist-pep-and-adverse-media/custom-lists.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.