Anti-money laundering (AML) firm SmartSearch is looking to grow its global reach with the appointment of an international development director, to oversee its expansion into US and European markets.

Martin Turvey has been appointed to the new role.

Turvey (pictured) has previously developing tech businesses in America. His network of contacts and experience will accelerate the establishment of the US office and he will be responsible for the ongoing development of SmartSearch there.

SmartSearch entered the US market in July and opened an office in Utah in October. Turvey will also oversee SmartSearch’s expansion into other international markets.

John Dobson, CEO of SmartSearch said: “This appointment will enable us to develop our business in the USA and globally while at the same time continue to grow in our existing markets. Having someone with Martin’s experience in the US will be invaluable to our growth in this market.

“The initial signs are encouraging as we are already receiving huge interest from prospective clients in the US across sectors such as tier two banks, financial brokers, real estate, accountants and legal.

“Martin, together with our US national sales director, Chad Rawlings, will be well placed to cultivate that interest and develop the business further.”

Turvey added: “The UK is the most heavily regulated place in the world for AML compliance and as the rest of the world is catching up, there is a great opportunity for SmartSearch to expand. All the tools and infrastructure are in place and our ambition is to grow internationally and become a major global presence.

“The SmartSearch solution is well established in the UK and market leading in terms of its level of accuracy, the range of data it draws from and the technology it uses. So, it’s now time for us to take the business into new markets globally.

“We are going to see increased levels of regulation not only in the USA but also Europe with the introduction of the Sixth EU Money Laundering Directive next month. Which means there is a real opportunity for SmartSearch to support businesses across a range of sectors, with a product that makes compliance easy and their business secure.”