Preview: the five evidence layers
1. Legal identity
Start with the official register, legal name, company number, status, officers and registered office. Record the date of the search.
2. Authority and ownership
Establish who may act for the company and who ultimately owns or controls it. Compare the ownership explanation to public and internal records.
3. Real business
Look for a coherent activity, products, services, operating contacts, counterparties, invoices, contracts, personnel, premises or other evidence appropriate to the model.
4. Digital control
Connect the website, domain, email and online accounts to the legal entity. Public WHOIS data alone may be unavailable or insufficient.
5. Independent risk information
Use appropriate lawful sources for sanctions, PEP, adverse media, insolvency and regulatory indicators. Review potential matches rather than treating an automated hit as fact.
This preview is educational. The full BCB methodology defines evidence scope, exceptions, status controls and jurisdiction-specific professional review.