What is agent for service of process?
A process agent (also known as an agent for service of process) is designated to receive legal documents on behalf of businesses or individuals. Process agents provide a vital service for many overseas entities or individuals entering into a transactional or financing agreement governed under English law. However, staying on top of service of process documents and arrangements is no simple task.
Crucially, failure to handle and route critical service of process information appropriately can put entities or individuals at risk of failing to act on legal notices or proceedings in good time – and can result in the very real prospect of legal action, disputes, financial penalties and negative publicity.
As a trusted process agent, we provide a UK service of process address. Your documents can be legally served at our office address and managed by our team of experts leaving you safe in the knowledge that your service of process is in good hands.
Who needs a process agent?
When a company or individual outside the UK enters into a contract or agreement governed by English law, they need a UK-based address to receive legal documents, notices and arbitration or court proceedings. A UK process agent provides a registered address and plays a crucial role in ensuring that legal documents are properly received and handled on behalf of a company or individual. Below are some of the most common scenarios in which a process agent is needed:
- Loan or Credit Facility Agreements: Banks and lenders often require borrowers, especially those based overseas, to appoint a UK process agent to receive formal notices, such as in the event of a default on the loan.
- ISDA Agreements for Derivative Transactions: A process agent is needed for ISDA Agreements for overseas parties entering into derivative transactions and agreements.
- Cross-border transactions: When engaging in international trade or business, any other formal contract or agreement under English law such as share agreements, leasing or purchase agreements, or real estate purchases.
An independent and trusted agent for service of process in the UK
Experience
Gain confidence that your service of process documents are in expert hands. Our team of experienced corporate governance professionals ensure documents get to the right people, and at the right time.
Speed
Appointing Computershare as your process agent is quick and simple. It’s usually completed on the same day as your request, with our expert team handling all aspects of your process management, so you can focus on the things that matter most.
Certainty
With Computershare, you’ll gain cost certainty as well as assurance that your process agent appointments are formalised securely through our dedicated technology platform.
How do I appoint a process agent?
Appointing an agent for service of process in the UK is quick and when you work with us, we make the process simple; we’ll take you through the necessary steps to confirm your appointment details, as well as the one-time fee for the appointment. Simply complete our process agent form with the following information:
- Appointor details
- Shareholder and ultimate beneficial owner of the Appointor (if the two are different)
- Instructing party contact details (if different from the Appointor)
- Contract/agreement name
- Commencement date and duration of contract/agreement
- Forwarding contact details in the event of legal service
Let’s talk
For more information complete the form below or email Georgina Milis, Director, UK Governance Services, at: processagentservice@computershare.co.uk
Creating value for clients
At Computershare, we believe that good governance comes through good design. For our clients, that’s when our expert people and innovative technology come together to help them strengthen their governance frameworks, improve stakeholder engagement, and manage risk.
We are proud of our long-standing reputation as a governance partner, working with companies and individuals to manage complex and high-value share registers, transactions, dividend payments, employee share plans and corporate administration.
We also provide US registered agent and entity governance and compliance services across 120+ countries, delivered through our entity management technology.