This guide is maintained as a current resource for July 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Guide to registering Persons with Significant Control (PSC) in UK companies, explaining legal thresholds, Companies Act 2006 requirements, incorporation procedures, disclosure rules, compliance duties, and risks for businesses in England and Wales.
Every UK company is legally required to identify and record its Persons with Significant Control (PSC). These are individuals or legal entities that ultimately own or control the company. The PSC register forms part of the UK's corporate transparency regime introduced under the Companies Act 2006 and the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.
PSC information must be provided during company formation and kept up to date throughout the company's life. It is submitted to Companies House and appears on the public register, subject to limited protections.
This article explains what PSC details are, how to register them during incorporation, ongoing compliance duties, legal thresholds, and risks of non-compliance.
Legal Framework for PSC Registration
PSC requirements are governed by:
- Companies Act 2006
- Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015
- The Register of People with Significant Control Regulations 2016
- Companies House guidance on PSC compliance
The PSC regime is designed to improve corporate transparency and prevent misuse of companies for illicit activity such as money laundering or concealment of ownership.
What Is a Person with Significant Control (PSC)?
A PSC is an individual or legal entity that meets one or more control conditions over a company.
Control conditions include:
A person who:
- Holds more than 25% of shares
- Holds more than 25% of voting rights
- Has the right to appoint or remove a majority of directors
- Otherwise exercises significant influence or control over the company
A company or legal entity can also be a PSC if it meets the same thresholds and is itself subject to disclosure requirements.
When PSC Details Must Be Registered
PSC information must be provided at three key stages:
1. During incorporation
PSC details are submitted as part of the company formation process.
2. After incorporation
Any changes in ownership or control must be reported to Companies House.
3. Ongoing maintenance
Companies must maintain an accurate PSC register at all times.
Failure to comply is a criminal offence under UK company law.
Step-by-Step: How to Register PSC Details During Incorporation
Step 1: Identify PSCs
Before submission, the company must determine who meets the PSC criteria by reviewing:
- Shareholding structure
- Voting rights
- Control arrangements in shareholder agreements
- Board appointment powers
Each qualifying individual or entity must be identified.
Step 2: Confirm PSC Categories
Each PSC must be assigned one or more categories of control, such as:
- Holding shares above 25%
- Holding voting rights above 25%
- Right to appoint or remove directors
- Exercising significant influence or control
Multiple categories may apply to a single person.
Step 3: Gather Required Information
For each PSC, the following details must be collected:
- Full name
- Date of birth (month and year shown publicly, full date held privately)
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Service address
- Residential address (not publicly disclosed in full)
- Nature of control
This information forms part of the statutory register.
Step 4: Verify PSC Identity and Control
Companies must ensure PSC information is accurate and supported by internal records such as:
- Share registers
- Articles of association
- Shareholder agreements
- Board resolutions
Accuracy is essential as false or incomplete PSC filings may result in criminal liability.
Step 5: Enter PSC Details in the Incorporation Application
PSC information is submitted via:
- The IN01 paper form, or
- The Companies House online incorporation system
The application includes:
- PSC identity details
- Nature of control
- Confirmation of accuracy
PSC details become part of the public register once the company is incorporated.
Step 6: Confirmation and Legal Declaration
The company must confirm that:
- All PSCs have been identified
- The information provided is correct
- No required disclosures have been omitted
This declaration is legally binding.
Types of PSC Situations
1. Individual PSC
Most commonly, an individual founder or shareholder holding majority ownership.
2. Corporate PSC
A company may be a PSC if it:
- Controls another company above the threshold
- Is itself subject to disclosure requirements
3. Joint PSC Arrangements
Two or more individuals may jointly meet PSC criteria if control is shared.
4. Indirect Control
A person may be a PSC even if control is exercised through:
- Trust arrangements
- Holding companies
- Nominee structures
Legal Duties After PSC Registration
Once registered, companies must:
- Keep PSC information accurate and up to date
- Record changes within statutory time limits
- Maintain an internal PSC register (or state where it is kept)
- Notify Companies House of updates
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.
Time Limits for PSC Updates
Companies must:
- Record changes internally within 14 days
- Notify Companies House within a further 14 days
Delays may constitute a statutory breach.
Public Access to PSC Information
Most PSC information is publicly available, including:
- Name
- Month and year of birth
- Nationality
- Nature of control
Residential addresses are protected unless disclosure is required by law.
Legal Risks of Incorrect PSC Registration
Failure to properly register PSC details can lead to:
- Criminal liability for the company and officers
- Financial penalties
- Restrictions on company filings
- Investigation by Companies House or law enforcement
- Reputational damage
In serious cases, failure to maintain accurate PSC records may indicate corporate misconduct.
Common Mistakes in PSC Registration
1. Failing to identify indirect control
Control exercised through layers of ownership is often missed.
2. Incorrect threshold calculation
Misunderstanding the 25% rule for shares or voting rights is common.
3. Outdated information
Failure to update PSC records after share transfers or restructuring.
4. Incomplete disclosure of influence
“Significant influence or control” is broader than shareholding and often overlooked.
5. Inconsistent records
Differences between shareholder registers and PSC filings can trigger compliance issues.
Exemptions from PSC Disclosure
Some entities are exempt, including:
- Companies listed on regulated markets
- Certain public authorities
- Entities already subject to equivalent disclosure regimes
Exemptions must still be declared where applicable.
Common Questions from our Readers
Do all companies need PSC registration?
Yes, most UK companies must identify and register PSCs.
Can a company have more than one PSC?
Yes. Multiple individuals or entities can qualify.
Is PSC information public?
Yes, except for certain protected personal details.
What happens if PSC details are wrong?
The company may face penalties, investigation, or criminal liability.
Key Takeaways
Registering Persons with Significant Control (PSC) details is a mandatory requirement for UK companies under transparency legislation. It involves identifying individuals or entities with significant ownership or control, recording their details during incorporation, and maintaining accurate records throughout the company's life. The regime ensures corporate transparency and helps prevent misuse of company structures. Non-compliance carries significant legal and financial risks, making accurate PSC registration essential from the outset.
