Guernsey: corporate bank account opening

Guernsey's Company Register Extract and Annual Return list directors but not shareholders. Request the register of members directly from the company at its registered office. If a reported transfer is missing, obtain the updated register and transfer documents; for nominee-held shares, request the nominee agreement.

Identify owners and controllers

Apply Schedule 3 and the GFSC Handbook to the company's ownership and control. Trace relevant corporate shareholders to individuals and obtain evidence of voting, appointment or other control rights. A registered agent's name does not identify the owners of its client.

For trust ownership, obtain the trust documents and the information required for the relevant trust parties. Record the basis for any permitted exception or senior-management fallback.

Verify the representative and authority. Obtain the resolution or delegation covering account opening, signatories and any joint instructions.

Funding and acceptance

Record the proposed activity, counterparties and source of the funds to be deposited. Request the sale, distribution or financing documents needed to substantiate that source. Apply enhanced and PEP measures when required and resolve sanctions findings before acceptance.

Complete verification on Schedule 3's timing conditions. During ongoing monitoring, revisit ownership and mandate evidence after transfers or new operators, and investigate payments inconsistent with the company's recorded activity.