# Access & use of beneficial ownership registers: Written submission to the 10th UNCAC CoSP URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/access-use-beneficial-ownership-registers-submission-uncac-cosp10 Type: Publication or report Published: 2023-11-27 Updated: 2023-12-13 --- 27 November 2023 Secrecy over who owns and controls companies and other legal vehicles has long been exploited by the corrupt to hide and launder their ill-gotten gains through the global financial system. The global debate on beneficial ownership transparency has evolved greatly since the adoption of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) 20 years ago. Today, we have significantly more evidence both on the abuse of anonymous companies and the solutions to the problem. It is clear that the Convention does not go far enough when it comes to specific obligations for ensuring effective beneficial ownership transparency frameworks. As more and more States Parties prepare to set up beneficial ownership registers or reform current frameworks, their effectiveness hinges critical issues of accessibility, verification and use of data by all actors who have a role to play in anti-corruption. The 10th UNCAC CoSP is an opportunity for countries to build on recent progress. Effective implementation of beneficial ownership reforms requires a critical mass of States Parties delivering on their UNCAC obligations in a meaningful way. Transparency International calls on States Parties to make new, ambitious commitments to unlock the potential of beneficial ownership data for anti-corruption and asset recovery. ### Related publications ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Connecting the Dots: How financial intelligence units expose corrupt money flows and how they could do more](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/connecting-the-dots) Publication • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can play a key role in uncovering corruption, but only if they have the powers, resources and access to information they need. ## [Accelerating Action Against Criminal and Corrupt Wealth: Recommendations for the London Illicit Finance Summit](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/recommendations-london-illicit-finance-summit) Publication • 28 May 2026 This paper sets out recommendations on how governments participating in the UK Illicit Finance Summit can deliver credible and ambitious outcomes. ## [Closing the Gaps: Detecting and investigating corrupt money flows in the Middle East and North Africa](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/closing-the-gaps-middle-east-and-north-africa) Publication • 13 May 2026 Corruption and illicit financial flows remain serious and ongoing challenges across the Middle East and North Africa. ## Priorities - [Dirty money](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/dirty-money) ## Regions - [Global](https://www.transparency.org/en/region/global) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/20231207-BOT-IMG.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/UNCAC-CoSP10-Access-and-Use-of-Beneficial-Ownership-Registers.pdf)