Beneficial ownership check (UK UBO)
Identify the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) behind any UK company. We combine Companies House PSC data with corporate-layer analysis so you can see who really controls the entity — not just the front-line director.
Who ultimately controls this company?
Direct PSC data is only the first step. We surface offshore corporate PSCs, chained holdings, nominee arrangements and PSC statements ("no PSC declared") so your KYB file stands up to regulator review.
Or use the free PSC lookup.
What is a UBO?
An Ultimate Beneficial Owner is the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a company — directly or through a chain of corporate vehicles, trusts or nominees. UK anti-money-laundering regulations require regulated firms to identify UBOs before establishing a business relationship.
PSC vs UBO
The Companies House PSC register is the UK's statutory beneficial ownership register, but it only records declared control at the first layer. A corporate PSC based offshore may still hide a natural person UBO several layers up. A proper UBO check follows that chain.
Data points we check
- · Registered PSCs and their natures of control
- · PSC statements ("no significant control", "not yet identified")
- · Corporate PSCs and their jurisdiction of incorporation
- · Historical PSC changes and cease dates
- · Sanctions and PEP status of named individuals
- · Country risk indicators for offshore layers
Red flags
- · Trading company with a "no PSC identified" statement on record
- · Corporate PSC based in a jurisdiction with weak transparency
- · PSC changed just before a major contract or transaction
- · Multiple corporate layers between the UK entity and any natural person
- · PSC name appearing on sanctions or PEP lists
Go beyond the basics
Free forever plan unlocks risk scores, sanctions screening, phoenix detection, watchlists and PDF reports.
Sign up free