The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Tuesday informed corporate sector that the beneficial ownership information is necessary to detect and prevent tax evasion, corruption, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit behavior involving one or more companies. According to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Ultimate Beneficial Ownership issued by the SECP here on Tuesday, public trust in companies and markets largely depends on the existence of an accurate disclosure regime that provides transparency in the beneficial ownership and control structures of companies.

BO information assists financial institutions in applying adequate customer verification procedures before commencement of the relationship with their customers. This is also likely to assist the companies themselves in understanding their ultimate owners/controllers where there are complex corporate ownership and/or control structures.

Different authorities may have a recognisable legal interest in obtaining information on beneficial ownership and control in order to investigate suspected illicit activities. Law enforcement authorities investigating and prosecuting money laundering and other crimes, tax authorities verifying compliance with tax laws and securities regulators investigating market manipulation, unlawful insider trading and fraud are just some of the authorities who may require information on beneficial ownership and control. Courts may also need such information in the context of corporate self-dealing and other litigation cases.

Legal and beneficial ownership information can assist law enforcement and other competent authorities by identifying those natural persons who may be responsible for the underlying activity of concern, or who may have relevant information to further an investigation, the SECP added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019