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BCB methodology

Defined evidence. Independent sources. Proportionate trust conclusions.

The BCB methodology combines official records, applicant evidence, independent data, digital-footprint checks and qualified professional review according to the selected trust level.

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Methodology cornerstone

Verify the claim through more than one type of evidence.

A public register confirms incorporation and filed information; it does not by itself prove current ownership, operational activity, website control or the commercial purpose described by the applicant.

BCB therefore applies a layered process: identify the entity, establish authority and control, test consistency, consider independent risk information, assess real-business indicators and record the limitations of the conclusion.

Core evidence families

  • Official company registers
  • Government and regulator records
  • Identity and authority evidence
  • Ownership and control records
  • Independent KYC/KYB data
  • Domain and website control
  • Operational business evidence
  • Professional partner confirmation
Common actions

Actions applied across the certification framework.

01

Scope

Define the entity, intended audience, jurisdiction, trust level, review date and exclusions.

02

Collect

Obtain evidence through the applicant or an authorised BCB Network professional partner.

03

Corroborate

Compare statements against official records and appropriate independent sources.

04

Conclude

Record findings, exceptions, limitations, certificate status and the next review date.

Level 1 cornerstone actions

  • Search the official company registry
  • Confirm legal name, number, type and status
  • Review registered office and current officers
  • Check incorporation or official extract evidence
  • Verify the applicant's identity through an appropriate online or professional process
  • Establish authority to apply for certification
  • Check the company email or domain relationship where relied upon
  • Screen obvious inconsistencies and public warnings

Level 1 is a defined identity review, not a conclusion on solvency, financial crime risk, trading performance or full beneficial ownership.

Level 2 cornerstone actions

  • Complete all applicable Level 1 actions
  • Review directors, shareholders, PSCs and beneficial owners
  • Compare ownership charts with official and internal records
  • Review constitutional and corporate-authority documents
  • Confirm website, domain or business-email control where relevant
  • Check products, services, trading footprint and stated counterparties
  • Consider invoices, contracts, premises, personnel or other real-business evidence
  • Use lawful independent KYC/KYB and risk-screening sources where included

Where the agreed scope requires risk screening, BCB or an authorised partner may use an appropriate service such as LSEG World-Check or a comparable provider for sanctions, PEP and adverse-media indicators. A database match is reviewed; it is not treated as an automatic conclusion.

Level 3 cornerstone actions

  • Complete applicable Level 1 and Level 2 actions
  • Review governance authorities and key corporate records
  • Assess ownership, activity and source-of-funds narrative consistency
  • Review KYC/KYB readiness for the intended bank or counterparty
  • Consider operating address, website, personnel and local substance indicators
  • Review standard policies relevant to the activity and risk
  • Identify document gaps, contradictions and expiry risks
  • Prepare an exceptions list and readiness conclusion

Compliance Ready does not mean regulator approval or universal legal compliance. It means the agreed evidence was reviewed for the stated readiness purpose.

Trusted Business

Monitoring keeps the evidence current.

The monitored status adds selected change detection, materiality review and periodic reassessment to the appropriate certification level.

  • Register changes

    Selected director, PSC, registered-office, status and insolvency indicators.

  • Digital and operational changes

    Material changes to the website, domain, contact points or stated activity where included.

  • Professional confirmation

    Updated local evidence may be obtained through a BCB Network member firm.

BCB Network professional partners

Jurisdiction-specific work may be performed or confirmed by qualified lawyers, attorneys, auditors, accountants, corporate service providers, advisers and other appropriately authorised legal entities in the EU and other supported countries.

Each member firm remains a separate legal entity and is responsible for its own local work, professional obligations and regulatory status.

Professional partner solutions
Methodology enquiry

Define the evidence scope before certification begins.

Tell BCB the company jurisdiction, ownership profile, intended recipient and commercial purpose.

Request a scope review