How to check a Hong Kong company
Search the company free on the Hong Kong Companies Registry's e-Search. A Company Particulars report (HK$22) shows directors and shareholders on record.
- Search the company by name on e-Search, then buy its Company Particulars report (HK$22).
- Open its free document index, and buy any annual return (HK$18): shareholders, directors and secretary at its date.
- Open its free charges index: each registered charge, with a description and its dates.
- Run a director search (HK$22) on each director: the companies they currently direct.
- Check the Official Receiver's records (HK$80) for a court winding-up or petition, and the Judiciary's judgments.
What the register leaves out: who stands behind its shareholders, which companies record but do not file, and what the press reports.
Or send the company's name and city to LightRay. In about 12 minutes: who owns it, who runs it, what it has filed, any court matters and its press. First three free.
Sources: Companies Registry e-Search, Official Receiver's Office, Hong Kong Judiciary.