Nominee director services provide a legal way to protect your identity, comply with UK laws, and manage corporate control — all while remaining transparent to regulators. Here’s how they work.
What Are Nominee Director Services?
Nominee director services involve appointing a third-party individual or entity to act as the official director of a UK company on behalf of the beneficial owner. The nominee appears in public records at Companies House, while actual control stays with the beneficial owner.
This arrangement is governed by a Nominee Director Agreement and, optionally, a Power of Attorney authorizing the owner to act on the company’s behalf.
✅ Legal Framework: Nominee directors are lawful under the Companies Act 2006, provided they do not obscure control from UK regulators.
Why Use a Nominee Director?
- Maintain Privacy: Keep your name off public registers.
- Protect Identity: Useful for high-profile individuals or sensitive ventures.
- Facilitate Company Formation: Especially helpful for non-residents who need a UK-based director.
- Boost Credibility: UK-resident directors enhance trust with banks and stakeholders.
- Support Structuring: Effective for holding companies, joint ventures, or succession planning.
Legal Compliance in the UK
📌 Companies Act 2006
Nominee directors are subject to all director duties, including:
- Acting within powers
- Promoting company success
- Avoiding conflicts of interest
- Exercising reasonable care and diligence
📌 PSC (Persons with Significant Control) Register
Any individual who:
- Holds over 25% of shares or votes
- Can appoint/remove most directors
- Exercises significant influence or control
...must be disclosed on the PSC Register at Companies House — even if a nominee is appointed.
📌 AML & KYC Compliance
Providers must be registered Trust or Company Service Providers (TCSPs) with with Companies House and AML registered with HMRC and must:
- Conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) checks
- Comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations
- Maintain full records of beneficial ownership
Essential Documents in a Nominee Arrangement
- Nominee Director Agreement – Sets role limitations and indemnities
- Power of Attorney (optional) – Grants operational authority to the owner
- PSC Disclosure – Mandatory if the owner qualifies as a PSC
- AML/KYC Files – Required for regulatory compliance
Who Can Benefit from Nominee Services?
- Non-resident entrepreneurs launching UK companies
- High-net-worth individuals seeking privacy
- Groups and holding companies requiring structure
- Estate planners implementing discreet governance
How to Choose a Trusted Nominee Provider
- Confirm HMRC TCSP registration
- Review legal agreements and service terms
- Ensure full AML/KYC compliance
- Avoid any provider offering “anonymous” or untraceable arrangements
Conclusion
When used properly, nominee director services allow business owners to remain discreet while complying with UK corporate transparency laws. With the right agreements, disclosures, and a regulated provider, you can protect your privacy and build a compliant, reputable UK company.
Privacy and compliance can coexist — nominee directors are the legal bridge between the two.
Published: 4/25/2025 6:18:00 AM
