For the purposes of the MRVP, a PEP is a person who is or has been a holder of public office, or entrusted with high level public functions, such as senior politicians, heads of state of governments, senior judicial or military officials, officials of political parties and senior executives of state-owned enterprises. The definition also extends to family members and close associates of a primary PEP. The fact that a person is a PEP does not automatically exclude him from eligibility under the MRVP, subject to a successful due-diligence check. Full details about the applicant’s PEP status would need to be disclosed and each case is considered on its own merits.
