Credit management

How do you check the reliability of a company?

A practical step-by-step plan

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8 Mins
21/01/2026

Sven Persoone

Senior Content Marketer @GraydonCreditsafe

Originally published on 19 April 2019, updated on 21-01-2026.

You are about to start working with a new customer, supplier or partner. But how sure are you that this company is reliable? In the context of increasing fraud, bankruptcies and payment problems, it is crucial to assess risks correctly in advance.

In this article, you will discover how to check a company's reliability and creditworthiness, what signs may indicate an increased risk and how you can make better business decisions with objective company information.

In short: how do you check the reliability of a company?

To check the reliability of a company in Belgium, first verify that it is officially registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE) and that its articles of association and directors have been correctly published in the Belgian Official Gazette. Next, analyse the annual accounts filed with the National Bank of Belgium to assess its financial health and creditworthiness.

In addition, it is essential to consult the UBO register, analyse the company's payment behaviour and identify any legal or financial risks through recognised business information. This will limit the risk of default and fraud with new customers or suppliers.

Chapter 1

1. Check whether the company officially exists

A first, essential step is to check whether the company legally exists and is correctly registered.

In Belgium, you can verify this via:

  • the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE)
  • the Annexes to the Belgian Official Gazette (articles of association, directors, changes)
  • the National Bank of Belgium (annual accounts)

Companies are legally obliged to publish this information. Missing or inconsistent data is a first warning sign.

Chapter 1

2. Consult reliable company information

Public sources only tell part of the story. If you want to correctly assess a company's creditworthiness and reliability, you need a complete picture.

A recognised provider of company and commercial information, such as GraydonCreditsafe, can give you insight into:

  • financial performance and solvency
  • payment behaviour towards other suppliers
  • legal events and negative signals
  • group structures and linked companies

This prevents large contracts or deliveries from posing an unnecessary risk to your cash flow.

Chapter 1

3. Check whether the company is supervised

Is the company active in the financial sector or does it process large cash flows? If so, it may be subject to supervision by the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) or the National Bank of Belgium.

If it does not have the required licence or registration, extra vigilance is advised.

Chapter 1

4. Analyse the website and online presence

A company website often says more than you think. Pay attention to the following, among other things:

  • correct spelling and professional content
  • clear contact details and registered office
  • a complete and compliant privacy policy
  • consistent information about activities and history
  • presence on social media channels

An incomplete or sloppy online presence may indicate an increased risk.

Chapter 1

5. Check the directors and shareholders

The background of directors has a major impact on the stability and reputation of a company.

Check:

  • what mandates they have held in the past and currently hold
  • whether previous companies have gone bankrupt
  • whether there are any sanctions, fraud cases, negative media coverage or legal proceedings

It is also essential to identify the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO). Since the introduction of the UBO register, this transparency has been mandatory to combat fraud and money laundering.

Chapter 1

6. Examine the group structure

Is the company part of an (international) group? This may indicate financial strength but also hidden risks.

Therefore, always check:

  • linked companies
  • foreign entities
  • any negative press or legal cases within the group
Chapter 1

7. Verify the business and delivery address

A correct address check remains a simple but effective step.

Compare:

  • the official registered address
  • the delivery address for goods or services
  • any branch offices

Tools such as Google Maps and Google Street View allow you to check whether the address matches the specified activities.

Chapter 1

8. Analyse financial performance

A company's financial health says a lot about its reliability.

When reviewing annual accounts, pay attention to:

  • the evolution of turnover and costs
  • equity and debts
  • liquidity and cash flow
  • trends over several years

For smaller companies or start-ups, additional business information from a specialised supplier can help you make a risk assessment.

Chapter 1

9. Pay attention to payment behaviour and legal signals

A negative payment history is often one of the strongest predictors of future risk.

Check for any:

  • legal proceedings
  • social security debts
  • structural late payments

Payment experiences via other suppliers also provide valuable insights here.

Chapter 1

10. Conclusion

Are you unsure about the reliability of a (potential) customer or supplier? By systematically analysing company data, directors, financial performance and payment behaviour, you can limit risks and protect your business.

Would you like to quickly and objectively check the reliability of companies?

We are happy to help you with up-to-date and in-depth company and trade information.

Frequently asked questions about the reliability of a company

How do I know if a Belgian company is reliable?

You can assess the reliability of a company in Belgium by checking whether it is correctly registered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, analysing the published annual accounts at the National Bank of Belgium and consulting the UBO register. In addition, it is important to evaluate the company's payment behaviour, possible legal proceedings and creditworthiness using objective business information.

Is a check in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises sufficient?

No. The Crossroads Bank for Enterprises only confirms the official existence of a company, but says nothing about its financial health, creditworthiness or payment behaviour. Additional financial and commercial information is necessary for a correct risk assessment.

What signs may indicate an unreliable company?

Missing or late annual accounts, a negative payment history, legal proceedings, unclear company structures or directors with a problematic past are clear warning signs. If several of these signs occur together, you should be extra cautious.

Why is a company's payment behaviour so important?

Historical payment behaviour is one of the strongest indicators of future payment behaviour. Companies that consistently pay late or have outstanding debts pose an increased risk of default and can have a negative impact on your cash flow.

How often should I check the reliability of a business relationship?

It is advisable to evaluate the reliability of customers and suppliers periodically, rather than just once. Business situations can change quickly due to financial problems, management changes or market conditions.