From April 2016, UK companies will be required to maintain a publicly available register of people who have “significant control” over them. This new register is part of a wider movement to increase transparency around who ultimately owns and controls companies incorporated in the UK and is being implemented before other EU countries do the same in 2017. With final form guidance due in the next few months, now is the time for companies to consider how they will approach what could well be a time-consuming process of compiling the register, informing possible overseas shareholders on the new rules, and ensuring compliance with these new obligations.