France: corporate bank account opening

For a French company, obtain a recent Kbis or other appropriate registration evidence. The French registry guide explains RCS, RNE and filed company records. ACPR's identification guidance describes the registered particulars to collect and the independent documents used to verify a legal person.

Ownership and authority

Identify the individuals who ultimately own or control the customer and take the required verification measures. Obtain shareholder and control records for the relevant ownership layers. Access to beneficial-owner register information follows its own access conditions; if the bank cannot obtain a fact there, request the supporting ownership document directly from the company.

Check the identity and powers of the representative. Use the registered representation information and the company's delegation or banking mandate. For a proposed account operator without registered powers, obtain the document authorising their instructions.

Purpose, funding and approval

Record the business, account purpose, expected payments and funding. If the company expects receipts under a group treasury arrangement, request that agreement and identify the participating companies. A general business description will not substantiate third-party collection rights.

Apply the enhanced measures required for higher-risk relationships, including relevant PEP cases. Resolve sanctions findings and material inconsistencies before acceptance; record the evidence and approval.

Monitor transactions and update customer knowledge during the relationship. Changes to management, ownership or payment activity require the affected information to be reviewed; retain the new documents and the reasons for any escalation.