What is a PSC and Why Does It Matter?
If you run a company in the UK, you’ve probably heard about People with Significant Control (PSC). This isn’t always the same as being a shareholder.
You can read up about this here >> Summary guidance for companies: register of people with significant control (PSCs) - GOV.UK
It might sound complicated, but it’s really about transparency – making sure everyone knows who owns or controls a business.
A PSC is someone who has a major influence over how a company is run. This could be because they:
Own more than 25% of the shares.
Hold more than 25% of the voting rights.
Can appoint or remove most of the directors.
Or otherwise control or influence the company.
Sometimes, this control is indirect – for example, through a trust or another company.
The PSC register exists because the government wants to prevent companies being used for crime or hiding money.
Every UK company must:
Keep a PSC register (a simple record of who the PSCs are).
Send the details to Companies House.
Update it promptly if anything changes.
From November 2025, Companies House now requires PSCs to verify their identity. >> Get information about a company - GOV.UK
This means:
No more fake names or anonymous PSCs.
Every PSC must prove who they are using official ID.
Roles like PSC and director will be linked to the same person, making the register more reliable.
This change makes the register trustworthy, helps fight fraud, and gives businesses confidence when checking who they’re dealing with.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failing to keep your PSC register up to date – or not verifying PSC identities – is a criminal offence. It can lead to fines or even prosecution. So it’s vital to get this right.
Steps to take:
Check who your PSCs are.
Keep their details (name, date of birth, address, and how they control the company).
Update Companies House within 14 days of any change.
Make sure PSCs complete identity verification when asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sole directors count as PSCs?
Yes, if they meet any of the PSC conditions (e.g., owning more than 25% shares).
How do PSCs verify their identity?
They’ll need to provide official ID (passport, driving licence) through Companies House’ secure system.
What if my PSC lives abroad?
They still need to verify their identity online – Companies House will provide guidance for overseas PSCs.
What if no one meets the PSC criteria?
Example: A company with five shareholders each owning 25%, and one director with no special rights. None of them qualifies as a PSC because the threshold is more than 25%, not equal to 25%.
In this case, your PSC register should include the official wording:
“The company knows or has reasonable cause to believe that there is no registrable person or registrable relevant legal entity.”
Can the PSC register be combined with the shareholders register?
No. They serve different legal purposes and have separate statutory requirements.
Key Differences
Shareholders Register: Lists all shareholders and their shareholdings.
PSC Register: Lists individuals or entities with significant control (which may include shareholders, but also others like those with voting rights or influence).
Why Separate?
The PSC register must include specific details such as:
Nature of control (e.g., voting rights, ability to appoint directors).
Date the person became a PSC.
Official wording if no PSC exists.
It also has its own filing obligations with Companies House and must be available for inspection.
Best Practice
You can keep both registers in the same physical book or digital file, but they must be clearly separate sections with the correct statutory wording for each. They cannot be merged into one list because the information required is different.
Keeping your PSC register accurate and verified isn’t just about compliance – it’s about protecting your business and giving you confidence in every transaction. We’re here to make the process simple and stress-free, so you can focus on running your company while staying fully compliant.