What Is a Nominee Company Structure?
A Nominee Company Structure is a strategic solution used by international businesses and individuals to enhance privacy, protect assets, and ensure discretion in ownership. This arrangement involves appointing a third party — known as a nominee — to hold company shares or directorships on behalf of the actual (beneficial) owner.
In this article, we explain what a Nominee Company Structure is, how it works, who needs it, and why it’s often used in offshore and international business contexts.
What Is a Nominee Company Structure: Definition
It is a legal arrangement where designated nominee shareholders or directors act on behalf of the true beneficial owner. The nominee has no control over the business and acts only under the owner’s instruction, typically through a power of attorney or trust agreement.
This setup is especially common in jurisdictions that prioritize confidentiality and international asset protection.
Key Features
- Privacy – The name of the beneficial owner does not appear in public records
- Control retained – The real owner retains full control via legal agreements
- Confidentiality – Protects the identity of business owners and stakeholders
- Compliance – The structure is legal and used within regulated frameworks
- Asset protection – Shields assets from unnecessary exposure
Who Should Use a Nominee Company Structure?
A Nominee Company Structure is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs operating in sensitive or highly regulated industries
- High-net-worth individuals seeking discretion and estate planning
- Foreign investors needing local representation in a new jurisdiction
- International businesses wanting to maintain anonymity while complying with local laws
Benefits of Setting Up a Nominee Company Structure
- Enhanced confidentiality – Keeps business ownership discreet
- Flexible control mechanisms – Use of POAs, declarations of trust, and custom agreements
- Risk management – Helps isolate assets and reduce exposure
- Streamlined administration – Simplifies company formalities for remote owners
- Bank account facilitation – Banks often require clear corporate structure for onboarding
How to Establish a Nominee Company Structure
Step 1: Jurisdiction Selection
Swiss Global Corporate Services helps you select the right jurisdiction based on your privacy, compliance, and operational goals.
Step 2: Company Formation
We establish the company in the chosen jurisdiction, ensuring full legal compliance.
Step 3: Appointment of Nominee Directors and/or Shareholders
Nominees are appointed under strict legal agreements that outline the real owner’s rights.
Step 4: Drafting Supporting Documents
We prepare declarations of trust, powers of attorney, and internal resolutions.
Step 5: Bank Account Opening
We assist in opening corporate bank accounts, ensuring proper compliance documentation is in place.
Why Work with Swiss Global Corporate Services?
- 20+ jurisdictions supported
- Fully compliant nominee services
- Discreet and secure documentation
- Full legal support and transparency
- Bank account assistance included
Ready to Set Up?
A Nominee Company Structure offers strategic benefits for confidentiality, control, and compliance. Whether you are protecting assets, expanding internationally, or ensuring discretion, Swiss Global Corporate Services is here to help.
Contact us today to get started with setting up your confidential nominee structure.