What is the PSC Register?
Since April 2016, most UK companies must keep a register of Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) — the individuals who ultimately own or control the company. This information must be filed with Companies House and is publicly available.
The PSC register was introduced to increase corporate transparency and help prevent money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes. Before this register, it was often difficult to determine who actually controlled a UK company.
Who Qualifies as a PSC?
A person has significant control if they meet one or more of these conditions:
- They hold more than 25% of the company's shares
- They hold more than 25% of the voting rights
- They have the right to appoint or remove a majority of the board of directors
- They have the right to exercise, or actually exercise, significant influence or control over the company
- They have the right to exercise, or actually exercise, significant influence or control over a trust or firm that meets any of the above conditions
What Information is Recorded?
For each PSC, Companies House records:
- Full name and date of birth (month and year only are public)
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Residential address (a service address is shown publicly; the residential address is kept on a private register)
- Nature of control — which of the qualifying conditions apply
- The date they became a PSC
Ownership Bands
Share ownership is reported in bands rather than exact percentages:
| Band | Shares / Voting Rights |
|---|---|
| Over 25% up to 50% | Significant minority stake |
| Over 50% up to 75% | Majority control |
| Over 75% | Dominant control (can pass special resolutions alone) |
What About Corporate Owners?
If a company is owned by another company, the register must trace through the ownership chain to find the individual(s) who ultimately have significant control. These are called Relevant Legal Entities (RLEs).
An RLE appears on the PSC register if it:
- Is subject to its own PSC disclosure requirements (e.g. another UK company)
- Is listed on a regulated market (e.g. London Stock Exchange)
For large public companies (PLCs listed on a stock exchange), PSC information may not be available because their shareholders are disclosed through different regulatory requirements.
Why PSC Information Matters
The PSC register is valuable for:
- Due diligence — knowing who actually controls a company before entering a business relationship
- Anti-money laundering — banks and regulated firms use PSC data as part of their KYC (Know Your Customer) checks
- Fraud detection — identifying hidden connections between companies
- Journalism and research — investigating corporate ownership structures
- Conflict of interest checks — determining if a company is connected to specific individuals
Companies Exempt from PSC Registration
Not all companies need to maintain a PSC register:
- Companies whose shares are traded on a regulated market (e.g. FTSE-listed companies)
- Some types of LLPs and partnerships (though most LLPs must comply)
- Companies being wound up or dissolved
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Companies that fail to maintain or file accurate PSC information face:
- Criminal offences for directors — up to 2 years' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine
- The company itself can be fined
- PSCs who fail to respond to information requests can be guilty of an offence
These are serious penalties, which reflects the government's commitment to corporate transparency.
How to Check PSC Information
You can view PSC information for any UK company on UK Company Hub. Search for a company and scroll to the "Persons with Significant Control" section. This shows each PSC's name, nationality, and the nature of their control.
If you see "No PSC information available", it could mean the company is exempt (e.g. a publicly listed company), the information hasn't been filed yet, or the company has failed to comply with its obligations.