Guide

What is PSC data?
Understanding Persons with Significant Control.

PSC data identifies the individuals or organisations that own or control UK companies.

Learn what PSC data is, how it works, what information is available through Companies House, and how investors, sales teams, researchers, and business owners use ownership data to understand who controls a company.


Definition

What does PSC stand for?

PSC stands for Person with Significant Control.

Since 2016, most UK companies have been required to identify and report individuals or legal entities that exercise significant control over the business.

These records are maintained by Companies House and form part of the public company register.


Control thresholds

When does someone become a PSC?

A person or organisation is generally considered a PSC if they meet one or more legal control tests.

Share ownership

Holds more than 25% of the company's shares.

Voting rights

Controls more than 25% of voting rights.

Board influence

Can appoint or remove the majority of directors.

Significant influence or control can also exist through other arrangements even where direct ownership is lower.


PSC records

What information does PSC data contain?

Companies House PSC records may include:

  • PSC name
  • Year of birth
  • Nationality
  • Country of residence
  • Nature of control
  • Ownership percentage band
  • Voting rights information
  • Appointment date
  • Individual or corporate ownership status

Why ownership matters

Why do people use PSC data?

M&A

Acquisition targeting

Identify founder-owned and owner-managed businesses that may fit acquisition criteria.

Due diligence

Understand control

Understand who ultimately owns or controls a business.

Research

Ownership analysis

Analyse ownership patterns across industries, locations, and company sizes.


Structured ownership data

How DataLedger uses PSC data.

DataLedger structures Companies House PSC records into analysis-ready ownership data that can be combined with financial information, growth indicators, employee counts, SIC codes, and company profiles.

Ownership records can also be combined with parent companies, subsidiaries, and corporate ownership chains to better understand company structures.

This allows users to identify founder-owned businesses, owner-managed companies, corporate-backed businesses, and complex ownership structures without manually reviewing Companies House filings.


Frequently asked questions

PSC data FAQs.

Is PSC data public?

Yes. PSC information is published through Companies House and forms part of the public company register.

Can a company have multiple PSCs?

Yes. Many companies have multiple individuals or organisations that meet PSC reporting requirements.

Can a PSC be another company?

Yes. Some companies are controlled by another legal entity rather than an individual.

Can PSC data be combined with financial data?

Yes. DataLedger combines PSC ownership records with structured UK company financial data, ratios, growth indicators, employee counts, SIC codes, and company profiles.