Client verification Current

Verifying a company's registration details

A practical approach to checking a company against the public register.

A client's own statements about a company are a useful starting point, but checking them against the public register is what turns a statement into verified evidence. This guide sets out a practical approach. It is general information, not legal or compliance advice.

Action plan

1 Search the public companies register Confirm the company's ACN, registration status, and registered details against ASIC's own register.

Searching the public companies register lets you independently confirm details the client has provided, such as the company's ACN, registration status, registered address, and current officeholders, rather than relying on the client's own statement alone.

  • Search the company's ACN against the public register
  • Confirm the company's current registration status
  • Confirm registered address and current officeholders match what the client told you

Done when: The company's registration details have been confirmed against the public register

ASIC: search ASIC registers
2 Note and follow up any discrepancy A mismatch between what the client said and what the register shows is worth a direct follow-up.

If what the register shows doesn't match what the client told you, for example a different registered address or an officeholder the client didn't mention, follow up directly rather than proceeding on the unverified version.

  • Compare register details against the client's own statements line by line
  • Ask the client directly about any discrepancy before proceeding
  • Document the discrepancy and how it was resolved

Done when: Any discrepancy between the client's statements and the register has been resolved and documented

ASIC: search ASIC registers
3 Re-check for long-running matters Company details can change; re-check the register for matters that run over time.

For a matter that runs over an extended period, company details verified at the start may no longer be current. Re-checking the register periodically for long-running matters keeps your verification current, not just accurate at intake.

  • Re-check the register periodically for long-running matters, based on your firm's own risk assessment
  • Note any change in officeholders, address, or status since the last check
  • Update your records to reflect the current position

Done when: A re-check cadence is in place for long-running matters

See how structured intake and review works