Glossary
Definitions of common document types and terms used in company searches.
Certificate of Incorporation
An official document issued by a government authority confirming that a company has been legally formed and registered. Typically includes the company name, registration number, and date of incorporation.
Certificate of Good Standing
A document confirming that a company is legally registered, up to date with its filings, and authorised to do business. Also known as a Certificate of Status or Certificate of Existence in some jurisdictions.
Memorandum & Articles of Association
The founding documents of a company, setting out its constitution, purpose, and the rules governing its internal management. Equivalent documents in other jurisdictions include Articles of Incorporation or a Company Statute.
Register of Directors
An official record listing the current and historical directors of a company, including their names, addresses, and dates of appointment or resignation.
Register of Shareholders
A record of all individuals and entities that hold shares in a company, including the number and class of shares held.
Full Company Search
A comprehensive report combining multiple document types into a single package — typically including incorporation details, director and shareholder registers, financial filings, and any charges or liens registered against the company.
KYC (Know Your Customer)
A regulatory requirement for financial institutions to verify the identity of their clients and assess their risk profile. Company documents provided by OCI Intelligence are widely used to satisfy KYC obligations.
AML (Anti-Money Laundering)
Legal controls requiring companies to prevent, detect, and report money laundering activities. Corporate intelligence from OCI Intelligence supports AML compliance by verifying ownership structures and beneficial interests.
Apostille
A form of authentication recognised between countries that have signed the Hague Convention, confirming that a document is genuine. OCI can advise on apostille requirements for specific jurisdictions.
Registered Address
The official address of a company as recorded with the relevant company registry. Used for formal correspondence and legal notices.