Vatco Consulting Services
Submit Your Beneficial Ownership Info Today
Stay compliant with CIPC’s new rules. We assist with registering or updating your company’s beneficial ownership records.
Providing Quality Services
with Experienced Consultants
1. Schedule A Consultation
Visit our website and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced accountants.
2. Discuss Your Financial Goals
Our team will sit down with you to discuss your financial needs and goals, and develop a customized plan to achieve them.
3. Watch Your Business Thrive
We’ll work with you to implement the plan and ensure that your business is thriving financially.
Contact us at the Vatco nearest to you or submit a business inquiry below.
- Company Registration
- Company Amendments
- Shareholding & Certificates
- Annual Returns Filing
- MOI Amendments
- Company Name Change
- Name Reservation
- Conversion of Business Type
- Company Deregistration
- Company Reinstatement
- Beneficial Ownership Registration
- Trademark Registration
- Business Structuring & Compliance
What Is Beneficial Ownership Registration?
Beneficial ownership registration is a legal requirement in South Africa where companies must declare who ultimately owns or controls them. This includes individuals who own or control more than 5% of a company’s shares or voting rights.
The new regulations, introduced by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), aim to improve transparency and help combat money laundering and fraud.
Who Needs to Register Beneficial Owners?
All companies and close corporations (except listed companies) must:
Submit their beneficial ownership information to CIPC
Keep the information updated as changes occur
Provide supporting documents upon request
Our Beneficial Ownership Services
🖊️ Initial Submission to CIPC
Prepare and file your first beneficial ownership disclosure
Submit required director/shareholder documentation
♻️ Updates & Amendments
Make changes to existing ownership records as your business evolves
Keep your records aligned with CIPC requirements
🔍 Compliance Checks
Review your company structure
Identify individuals who must be declared as beneficial owners
📄 Document Management
Assist with the preparation of supporting documents
Maintain records for future audit or compliance purposes
Why It’s Important
✅ Mandatory under the Companies Act and FIC regulations
✅ Prevents delays in business banking, tenders, and funding
✅ Protects your business from fines and deregistration
✅ Helps create a legally transparent business structure
📌 Related Services
📄 Trusted Sources
Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
🤔 FAQs: Beneficial Ownership in South Africa
1. What is a beneficial owner?
A beneficial owner is a person who ultimately owns or controls more than 5% of a company’s shares or voting rights.
2. Is this required for all companies?
Yes. All companies and close corporations (except listed entities) must comply with beneficial ownership disclosure.
3. What happens if I don’t submit this?
Failure to comply can result in penalties, legal action, or company deregistration.
4. Do I need to submit if there are no changes?
Yes. Even if there are no changes, the initial submission is mandatory, and updates must follow when changes occur.
5. What documents are needed?
You’ll typically need certified ID copies of beneficial owners, proof of ownership/control, and supporting company documents.
6. Can Vatco handle the whole process?
Yes. We handle submission, updates, compliance checks, and document management on your behalf.
7. Is this the same as shareholding updates?
Not always. A beneficial owner may not be listed as a shareholder but still control the company. We help you understand the difference.
8. How often should this be reviewed?
Any time ownership or control changes. It’s good practice to review this annually or during shareholder/director changes.