Beneficial ownership, explained.
Since 2016, most UK companies and LLPs have had to identify their Persons with Significant Control, keep a PSC register, and report the information to Companies House. Here is what the rules require.
When a company becomes aware of a change — a new controlling shareholder, a PSC ceasing to have control, or updated particulars — it must update its own register promptly and file the change with Companies House. Companies also confirm their PSC position each year through the confirmation statement.
Failing to comply with the PSC requirements is a criminal offence and can result in a fine or, in serious cases, imprisonment of the company's officers. Providing false PSC information is also an offence.
Because the obligation is ongoing, a company's filed PSC position is a live compliance signal. Lenders, suppliers and compliance teams monitor PSC filings to spot ownership changes and non-compliance among the companies they deal with.
Monitor beneficial-ownership changes automatically — get alerted the moment a PSC is added, removed or changed.
Subscribe — £29/moMost private companies and LLPs must keep a PSC register. Companies subject to certain market-disclosure rules are exempt. The register must never be empty — it always holds at least a status statement.
Non-compliance with the PSC regime is a criminal offence and can lead to fines or imprisonment of company officers, and providing false information is also an offence.
PSC particulars must be updated when they change, and the position is confirmed at least once a year via the company's confirmation statement.
Last updated: 2026-08-30 · Source: UK Companies House public register · Not legal advice — always verify against official sources before acting.