About us
Open Ownership is driving the global shift towards transparency over who owns and controls corporate vehicles, known as beneficial ownership transparency (BOT). We are working to create a world where governments, businesses, and citizens can readily access and effectively use accurate, complete, and high-quality evidence and information on the true owners of companies, not only to achieve transparency but to reduce key global and national risks such as corruption and tax evasion, and create a more sustainable business environment. Open Ownership’s work is at the forefront of the global push for corporate transparency, and the use of beneficial ownership data is becoming increasingly critical for national governments. To achieve this, our team of implementation, technology, policy, and research experts:
Provides technical assistance to implement beneficial ownership transparency reforms;
Builds technology and capacity to use beneficial ownership data; and
Conducts research and advocates to shape global policy and practice.
The Open Ownership team is internationally recognised as leading experts in the field. Since 2017, Open Ownership has worked with almost 40 countries to advance implementation of beneficial ownership reforms, as well as supporting the creation of over 15 new central and sectoral registers. Open Ownership has developed the world’s leading data standard for beneficial ownership information, co-founded the international Beneficial Ownership Leadership Group, and built the world’s first transnational public beneficial ownership register.
At national level, Open Ownership offers a tailored and highly collaborative approach to technical assistance, providing bespoke guidance that fits the specific needs of each individual country’s context. Recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges involved in implementing beneficial ownership disclosure, OO works closely with partner agencies to help them deliver in-country impact.
Internationally, Open Ownership produces research, evidence and technology products, and uses these to influence policy and practice within key international and regional fora. We have enduring partnerships with agencies including the World Bank, IMF and UNODC, and have secured key advocacy wins within the UN Convention Against Corruption and Financial Action Task Force.
Finances
Open Ownership was formed in 2017 with seed funding from the UK Department for International Development. Since then, our annual income has grown from $1m to $4m, and our donor base has diversified to include bilateral, multilateral and foundation donors that support programmes and projects at international and national level. Our major funders for the 2024-25 financial year are the BHP foundation ($565k), Norad ($1.5m), USAID ($525k) and UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office ($1.15m), with project grants from actors including the World Bank.
As Open Ownership develops its new 2025-30 strategy, we do so from a strong financial position, with $3.8m income already secured for 2025-2027 in the form of programmatic grants that align well with our strategic direction, and a strong pipeline of grant renewals and new funding relationships.
Equity, diversity and inclusion statement
Open Ownership is a diverse organisation with a growing team of professionals based in Argentina, Chile, France, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, the Philippines and South Africa as well as the United Kingdom, where currently 50% of the organisation is based. We work virtually, with team members collaborating online and meeting when delivery of work requires it, in addition to our in-person team retreat once a year.
We are committed to the diversity of our new International Advisory Board, in terms of ensuring: (i) a comprehensive range of skills and expertise; and (ii) that it is representative of the regions where we are most engaged and seeking to expand our work. To support this latter process, we would particularly like to hear from people with experience of either living or working in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Sub Saharan Africa.
We want to hear from all voices, and particularly encourage individuals of diverse and marginalised communities to apply. Open Ownership is committed to diversifying the background of its workforce and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability.