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Companies: Registration

Asked by Luke AkehurstLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 3 February 2026UIN 109322

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps are being taken to prevent organisations with extreme proximity to sanctioned groups, individuals, and jurisdictions from establishing UK-registered companies.

Answered by Blair McDougall

The nature of any association with sanctioned persons or jurisdictions can vary considerably, and such links do not, in themselves, prevent an organisation or its directors from establishing a lawful UK company. Nor does the existence of such an association automatically indicate improper intent. Companies House applies a proportionate, risk-based approach and acts where there is evidence of unlawful activity. The Registrar has powers to require information, share intelligence with enforcement partners, and strike off a company if false or misleading information is included in the incorporation application.

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