A PEP refers to a Politically Exposed Person. This is an individual who is (or has been) entrusted with a prominent public function in any country. This includes heads of state, senior government / politician, important political party officials, judicial or military officials and senior executives of state-owned corporations and international organizations.
A family member (parent, spouse or child) or close associate of a PEP is also classified as a PEP. A close associate is
individuals with joint beneficial ownership of a legal entity or legal arrangement, or any close business relations; and
individuals with sole beneficial ownership of an entity or arrangement set up for the PEP’s benefit.