Head of International Corporate Law and Fintech Practice
Expert in fintech, crypto, and international corporate law with over 20 years of experience. Specializes in crypto licensing (VASP/CASP), iGaming business support, and international structuring, asset protection, and OSINT analytics for risk assessment and due diligence.
Nominal service
In 2025, the number of Ukrainian entrepreneurs entering European markets increased by 34% (Eurostat data). Along with the expansion of business, the demand for a nominee service has also increased – a legal tool for corporate structuring, which allows ensuring confidentiality, management efficiency and presence in European jurisdictions.
In 2025, the law firm “Prikhodko and Partners” almost doubled the number of corporate structuring projects, of which about a third used a nominee service. Such a demand is formed not because of the desire to “hide”, as is often thought, but because of the need for businesses to work in the complex regulatory ecosystem of the EU, without losing manageability and flexibility.
What is a nominee service and where is it used?
Nominee service is an officially permitted model where a legal entity or individual performs formal corporate functions without having actual control over the business.
In 2025, the most popular nominee service was for IT, SaaS companies, holding companies, IP management and gambling, but was not limited to them.
Prikhodko & Partners supports clients in all jurisdictions of the world, providing a full range of corporate, tax and regulatory solutions.
Main types of nominee service
Nominee director
Represents the company in documents, but has no actual influence on current activities.
Nominee shareholder
Formally owns the company, while the beneficiary controls it through trust documents.
Virtual office
Provides an address for registration, correspondence, KYC/AML checks.
Postal address / legal address
Makes it easier to open bank accounts and comply with regulations.
Legal basis for providing nominee services
Most issues regarding the implementation of nominee services are reflected in:
- AMLD5 and AMLD6 (EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives)
- EU Regulation 2018/843
- National legislation on transparency of beneficial ownership
- FATF requirements (especially recommendations 24 and 25)
- UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) registers
In most European countries, nominee directors are permitted, but the actual control of the beneficiary must be confirmed by trust declarations, a trust agreement or other documents.
The law firm “Prikhodko and Partners” provides full legal support for the preparation of such documents and their compliance with the requirements of current legislation.
Benefits and Risks of Nominee Service
Benefits
- Beneficiary Confidentiality (not available in all countries)
- Simplification of interaction with banks, financial institutions and clients
- Operational flexibility, due substance and remote management
- Asset protection in holding structures
- Tax efficiency in international business models
According to a KPMG survey for 2025, 67% of European holdings use nominee structures in regulated industries.
Risks
- Reputational risks in the case of an unreliable provider
- Regulatory sanctions for improper use or registration
- Insufficient transparency of documents, which complicates AML checks
- Risk of loss of control or funds in the event of an incorrect contractual basis
Having significant practical experience, our team “Prikhodko and Partners” minimizes these risks by conducting a legal audit of providers, preparing a full package of documents and background checks, and protecting the structure as a whole.
Practical cases
Structuring for work in the EU
Situation: A company from Ukraine was entering the EU markets. It was necessary to create a secure corporate structure with a nominee director.
Solution:
- Company in the EU + nominee director
- Virtual office
- Preparation of an AML package for the bank
Result: The company passed 2 bank checks and successfully entered new markets.
Asset and IP Protection for Equipment Manufacturer
Situation: Owner wanted to protect technology from local legal risks.
Solution:
- Holding structure
- Nominee director + secretary
- IP licensing between structures
- Opening an account at ING Bank
Result: EUR 3.8 million in investments were raised and all regulatory and investor requirements were met.
Step-by-step implementation instructions
Step 1. Objective analysis
- operational flexibility
- confidentiality
- tax structuring
- banking compliance
Step 2. Jurisdiction selection
- linkage to types of activities and geo clients
- rigority of local legislation
- future plans and interaction with banks and payment systems
- convenience of logistics routes
Step 3. Document preparation
- statutory documents
- trust management agreements
- AML/KYC package
- confirmation of sources of origin of funds
Step 4. Implementation
- company registration
- appointment of nominees
- opening accounts
- setting up corporate procedures
Step 5. Control and monitoring
- quarterly audit
- UBO data update
- monitoring of changes in legislation
How does Prikhodko and Partners help clients?
In 2025, we supported over 120 projects using elements of the nominee service, including:
- 44% — IT and SaaS
- 21% — fintech
- 18% — international trade
- 11% — gambling
- 6% — holding structures
We provide:
- legal analysis and selection of jurisdiction
- preparation of agreements with nominees
- turnkey company registration
- opening of bank and payment accounts
- full AML/KYC support
- beneficiary protection through legal mechanisms
- accounting support and tax planning
Thus, the nominee service is not about risks and schemes. It’s about the right corporate architecture, efficiency, security, and transparency for the regulator. The law firm “Prikhodko & Partners” helps clients build an international structure so that it is legal, stable, and fully protected from regulatory risks.
Ready to evaluate your structure or develop it from scratch? Leave a request – we will prepare a solution within 24 hours.
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Read morecall back
during the day
Compensation for moral, material damage
Protection of honour, dignity, and business reputationContract Development for Business and Legal Entities
Licensing of business activities
Compensation for moral, material damage
Legal services in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain
REGISTRATION OF COMPANIES AND OPENING OF BANK ACCOUNTS
Sale and purchase of ready-made firms
Grants and attracting investment
Business registration and support in Great Britain
Business registration and support in Switzerland
Business registration and support in the EU
Business Registration and Support in the Gulf Countries (GCC)
Business registration and support in Turkey
Business registration and support in USA
Lawyer for administrative cases
Legal services for medical businesses and doctors
Protection of honour, dignity, and business reputation
Real estate transaction support
Escort of the tender participant
Trial lawyer: support and defense in court
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)

