Can an individual stop being a PEP after stepping down from public office?

Detailed Explanation

Under international standards and regional frameworks, stepping down does not automatically eliminate risk. While rules vary by jurisdiction—with some imposing statutory minimums such as 12 to 18 months—regulators widely enforce a risk-based approach ("once a PEP, potentially always a risk"), meaning an individual retains high-risk status as long as their political influence and informal networks persist.