Compare incorporation, good standing, incumbency and company registers. Use A.I.W’s practical checklist before requesting corporate documents for overseas use.
Practical Guide · Updated 5 October 2026 · A.I.W Corporate Services Limited
A bank asking who can sign is asking a different question from an investor checking legal ownership. Ask the recipient to specify the facts to prove, accepted issuer, issue-date window and authentication route.
A certificate of incorporation records formation. A current status search or good standing certificate addresses a later point in time under the issuing registry’s rules. Neither alone gives a complete picture of today’s ownership, bank authority or worldwide liabilities.
An incumbency document can identify specified officers or members according to the issuer’s records. The register of members records legal shareholdings; ultimate beneficial ownership can follow a longer chain. A board resolution may authorise a transaction, but constitutional restrictions and the bank’s own mandate still matter.
Confirm the full company name and number, required issuer, information to appear, acceptable date, original/copy format, translation and authentication. Also confirm whether attachments such as registers or constitutional documents are required.
A bank may request separate source-of-funds evidence, current business contracts or additional KYC. A certified copy establishes copy conformity within the certifier’s scope; it does not guarantee the recipient’s acceptance.
Retain the request, issued version, date, purpose and completion correspondence. Ask for the recipient’s approval of the proposed document route before ordering repeated certifications.
Start with what the bank, adviser or overseas authority needs to prove. Different documents answer different questions about the company’s existence, status, ownership and authorised officers.
View Details →A document accepted locally may need authentication for use overseas. We coordinate the document route after checking its origin, destination and the receiving institution’s requirements.
View Details →Keep the company file consistent with the people who own, direct and operate the business. A.I.W coordinates instructions, corporate records and registered-agent requests after incorporation.
View Details →Sources consulted on 5 October 2026. Rules and case requirements can change; confirm the applicable position before action.
Start with the jurisdiction, company name and task. Ask for the document checklist and agreed delivery channel before sending sensitive personal records.