IPS-conducted investigation of a named counterparty — verifying identity, beneficial ownership, corporate structure, and compliance status. When your business requires confidence in who you are dealing with, and the consequences of being wrong are regulatory, financial, or reputational, the investigation should be conducted by someone who understands both the regulation and the sector.
A counterparty appears mid-transaction. A charter fixture moves faster than your onboarding process. A beneficial ownership chain needs tracing before documents are signed. These are not edge cases — they are the operating conditions of maritime commerce, and they require a due diligence capability that is both rigorous and responsive.
Counterparty Due Diligence is an IPS-conducted investigation — not a database query. Our investigations draw on AML/CTF frameworks informed by FATF standards, enhanced due diligence methodologies, and deep understanding of maritime-specific risk indicators. The people conducting your due diligence understand the sector, not just the regulation. Due diligence that arrives after the transaction closes is compliance theatre, not compliance.
Comprehensive identity verification and beneficial ownership tracing for individuals and entities involved in maritime transactions. UBO identification through intermediate holding structures, confirmation against registry sources, and documentation of the ownership chain in a format that satisfies AML/CTF reporting requirements.
Investigation of the counterparty's corporate structure — jurisdiction of incorporation, directorships, shareholding, and the intermediate entities that connect the operating entity to its ultimate beneficial owners. Structures designed to obscure ownership are the investigation's primary subject, not its obstacle.
Deeper investigation for higher-risk counterparties, politically exposed persons, complex ownership structures, and transactions involving jurisdictions with elevated AML/CTF risk. Includes source-of-funds analysis where required and adverse media review calibrated to the risk profile of the matter.
Each Counterparty Due Diligence engagement produces a structured report — identity findings, ownership chain, risk indicators identified, and the IPS assessment. Formatted for compliance records, internal governance, and regulator review. The report documents both what was found and the methodology by which it was found.
Counterparty Due Diligence engagements are initiated on a per-matter basis. Turnaround is calibrated to the commercial timeline. Contact IPS to discuss the scope and timeframe for your matter.