European Finance Observatory

Concept · Brief definitionRelevant to you

UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner)

The ultimate beneficial owner is the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a customer, through a direct or indirect stake of 25% or more under EU rules, or through control by other means. For trusts, it includes settlors, trustees, protectors and beneficiaries. Also called beneficial owner.

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Roles that need it

This is a brief definition. A full explanation with a worked example is being written.

Skills it belongs to

Sources

Updated 31 Oct 2026.