Certificate of Authority Template for England and Wales

A Certificate of Authority formally proves that someone has the legal power to act on behalf of an organisation in England and Wales. Banks, government agencies, and other businesses often need this document before they'll let someone sign contracts or handle major transactions for a company.

Companies typically use these certificates to show who can sign important documents, access accounts, or make binding decisions. The certificate itself lists specific powers granted to named individuals, helping protect both the organisation and third parties by clearly documenting who has authority to do what. It's particularly important for foreign companies doing business in the UK and for organisations dealing with high-value transactions.

You need a Certificate of Authority when someone must prove their legal power to act for your organisation. Common situations include opening bank accounts, signing major contracts, or dealing with government agencies in England and Wales. It's especially vital when your company operates across borders or handles high-value transactions.

Get this certificate ready before starting significant business dealings - waiting until someone demands it can delay important transactions. Financial institutions, property deals, and court proceedings often require this proof of authority upfront. Having it prepared helps avoid awkward situations where deals stall because decision-makers can't verify their powers.

• Corporate Certificate Of Authority: Standard form used by companies to authorise officers for general business operations
• Certificate Of Fiduciary Authority: Specific version for trustees and financial managers handling assets
• Certificate Of Authority To Transact Business: Focused on commercial transactions and banking activities
• Certificate Of Corporate Authority: Comprehensive version covering broad corporate powers and decisions
• Certificate Of Fact Trust Authority: Specialised form for trust arrangements and trustee powers

• Company Directors and Officers: Create and sign Certificates of Authority to delegate powers to specific individuals within their organisation
• Corporate Secretaries: Often draft and maintain these certificates as part of their governance duties
• Authorised Representatives: Receive power to act through these certificates, using them to prove their authority to third parties
• Banks and Financial Institutions: Request and rely on these certificates before allowing account access or major transactions
• Legal Counsel: Review and advise on certificate content to ensure proper delegation of authority and risk management
• Government Agencies: Accept these certificates as proof of authority when dealing with organisational representatives

• Company Details: Gather full legal name, registration number, and registered office address
• Board Resolution: Confirm board approval exists for delegating specific powers
• Representative Information: Collect names, positions, and contact details of those receiving authority
• Scope of Powers: List specific actions and decisions the certificate will authorise
• Time Limits: Decide if authority should have an expiry date or renewal terms
• Signature Requirements: Identify who needs to sign and authenticate the certificate
• Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-sound certificate that includes all mandatory elements
• Internal Review: Have key stakeholders verify accuracy before finalising

• Organisation Details: Full legal name, registration number, and registered office address
• Authority Statement: Clear description of powers being granted and their limits
• Authorised Persons: Names, titles, and specific powers granted to each individual
• Duration Clause: Validity period or expiry date of the authority
• Board Resolution Reference: Date and details of the authorising board decision
• Governing Law: Explicit statement that English law applies
• Authentication Section: Company seal placement area and signature blocks
• Certification Statement: Declaration confirming the document's authenticity
• Witness Details: Names and signatures of required witnesses

A Certificate of Authority and a Letter of Authority serve different purposes in English law, though they're often confused. Here are the key distinctions:

• Legal Weight: Certificates of Authority are formal corporate documents with stronger legal standing, while Letters of Authority are typically simpler authorisation documents for specific, often one-time tasks
• Scope and Duration: Certificates usually grant ongoing powers for multiple transactions or decisions, whereas Letters tend to be time-limited and task-specific
• Corporate Formality: Certificates require board approval and often company seal usage, while Letters can be issued by individual managers without formal board involvement
• Third-Party Recognition: Banks and government agencies generally require Certificates for major transactions, but may accept Letters for routine matters
• Documentation Requirements: Certificates need supporting corporate records and specific formatting, while Letters can be more flexible in their presentation