This guide is maintained as a current resource for September 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.
Comprehensive guide to the UK register of people with significant control (PSC) requirements. Explains who qualifies as a PSC, the information required, filing obligations with Companies House, legal duties, consequences of non‑compliance, and practical steps for compliance. Essential for company directors, advisers, and business owners.
In the United Kingdom, the register of people with significant control (PSC) is a legal requirement designed to increase transparency about who owns and controls companies and certain partnerships. Companies, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), UK Societas (UKS), and eligible Scottish partnerships must identify and record details of individuals or entities that exercise significant influence or control over them. These requirements are grounded in UK company law and are enforced by Companies House. They are intended to deter fraud, promote accountability, and provide clarity to investors, regulators, and the public.
This article explains what the PSC register is, how to identify a person with significant control, what information must be recorded, key legal obligations and filing procedures, consequences of non‑compliance, and common issues that arise in practice.
What Is the PSC Register?
The PSC register is a record that shows who has significant control over a company or similar legal entity. A PSC is often described as a beneficial owner because they benefit from ownership or influence, even if the legal title is held by another person or entity.
Historically, UK law required certain companies to maintain their own PSC register as part of their statutory books. Following changes introduced in November 2025, Companies House now maintains a central register, and companies or other entities must submit PSC information directly to Companies House, which will hold and publish much of the information.
The PSC register exists for several types of entities:
- Private companies limited by shares or guarantee
- Public limited companies (PLCs)
- UK Societas (UKS)
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Eligible Scottish partnerships (which must supply information but may not hold their own local PSC register)
Who Is a Person with Significant Control?
An individual is a PSC if they meet one or more of the statutory conditions set out in the Companies Act 2006 and supporting regulations. These are objective tests based on ownership and control. The main conditions are:
- Share ownership – they hold more than 25 % of the company's shares.
- Voting rights – they hold more than 25 % of the voting rights in the company.
- Right to appoint/remove directors – they can appoint or remove the majority of the board of directors.
- Significant influence or control – they have the right to exercise, or actually exercise, significant influence or control over the entity.
- Control via another entity – the entity is controlled by a trust or firm where the trustees or members meet one of the first four conditions.
These conditions ensure that individuals who hold decisive influence over a company's governance or financial structure are captured on the PSC register.
The tests apply whether influence is direct or indirect, including through another company or through agreements with others. If no individual qualifies as a PSC, the entity must still report this on its PSC register using a formal statement; the register cannot be left blank.
Information Required on the PSC Register
Once a PSC is identified, specific details must be confirmed and recorded. At a minimum, a company or entity must collect and report the following:
- Full name
- Date of birth (month and year for public record; full date is held but not published)
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Service address (used for public disclosure)
- Usual residential address (held but not publicly disclosed)
- Nature of control (which of the statutory conditions they meet, and to what extent)
- Date the person became a PSC
If a registrable Relevant Legal Entity (RLE) (such as another company or partnership that satisfies PSC criteria) is identified, similar information must be reported for the entity.
Under recent changes to the PSC regime, all PSCs must also verify their identity with Companies House and obtain a unique ID code. This code must be submitted as part of the PSC information. Failing to provide verified identity details can affect the status of a PSC on the register and may lead to compliance issues.
Legal and Filing Obligations
Identifying and Recording PSCs
Company officers (such as directors or designated members) have a duty to:
- Take reasonable steps to find if there are PSCs.
- Contact potential PSCs to obtain and confirm their information.
- Submit the information to Companies House within statutory deadlines.
The key filing requirements are:
- Report PSC information within 14 days of identifying a PSC or receiving confirmation of their details.
- Update Companies House within 14 days of any changes to the PSC information.
- Include PSC information with a company's confirmation statement (formerly annual return) to confirm accuracy if not recently updated.
Companies that have taken all reasonable steps and genuinely have no PSCs must file a statement of reasonable steps and absence of PSCs, rather than leaving the field blank.
Public Transparency and Privacy Considerations
Most PSC details form part of the public register at Companies House, accessible online. However, protections exist:
- Residential addresses and full dates of birth are not publicly disclosed but are held in the register and accessible to law enforcement, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and credit reference agencies.
- Individuals with safety concerns can apply for protected information status, which restricts public disclosure of certain details.
The public PSC register supports transparency for investors, lenders, and other stakeholders, enabling them to identify those with real influence over a business.
Consequences of Non‑Compliance
Failing to meet PSC requirements can have significant consequences:
- Criminal offences for failing to provide information, providing false information, or failing to notify of changes.
- Financial penalties and possible imprisonment in serious cases.
- Company restrictions, such as limitations on the rights attached to shares if a person fails to respond to PSC enquiries.
Additionally, while enforcement historically varied, recent legislative reforms (including identity verification requirements) reflect a stronger regulatory approach to corporate transparency and accuracy of the register.
Common Issues in Practice
Identifying Indirect Control
Determining whether a PSC exists through indirect ownership or rights can be complex. Entities should carefully examine share structures, voting agreements, and contractual provisions to identify influence that might not be immediately obvious.
Responding to Notices
Companies must send statutory notices to persons who they believe to be PSCs. If a person does not respond appropriately within the time limit (typically one calendar month), they may commit an offence or the company may apply restrictions to their rights.
Identity Verification Challenges
Under the recent changes, PSCs must verify their identity, which can require UK‑specific documentation or use of an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP) for non‑residents. Planning ahead for this process reduces the risk of delays or non‑compliance.
Key Takeaways
The register of people with significant control is a UK legal requirement that enhances transparency about who truly owns or controls companies and similar entities. Entities must identify and record PSCs, collect detailed information, and submit this to Companies House within statutory deadlines. Most PSC information becomes public, though privacy protections apply. Failing to comply with PSC obligations can lead to criminal penalties and regulatory sanctions. Understanding and verifying PSC details is essential for legal compliance, investor confidence, and corporate governance.
