Singapore’s reputation as one of the world’s most trusted business destinations is not a coincidence. It is the result of decades of careful policy-making, strong rule of law, and a commitment to corporate transparency. Investors and business owners choose Singapore because they know they are operating in a jurisdiction where accountability, fairness, and trust are not just ideals, but enforceable standards.
On 16 June 2025, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) introduced a set of new transparency rules that reinforce this very foundation. These changes, passed under the Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024, have one clear purpose—to ensure that the ultimate individuals or entities controlling a business are known and traceable at all times.
In practical terms, the rules focus on the Register of Controllers and the Register of Nominee Directors, with tighter deadlines, annual verification requirements, and higher penalties for those who fail to comply. They apply to local companies, foreign companies registered in Singapore, and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs).
For entrepreneurs, these rules are not just a legal requirement; they are also a statement of credibility. In a business climate where customers, partners, and regulators want to know who is really behind a company, being compliant is no longer optional—it is part of good business practice.
In this detailed guide, we explain what the new ACRA transparency rules mean for you, the deadlines you must meet, and how you can ensure that your company stays on the right side of the law.
What are the New Transparency Rules Introduced in Singapore by ACRA in 2025?
From 16 June 2025, the new ACRA rules require companies and LLPs to:
1. Maintain a Register of Controllers (ROC) from the day of incorporation or registration.
2. Conduct an annual confirmation with every controller listed.
3. Require foreign companies registered in Singapore to maintain a Register of Nominee Directors.
4. Face higher fines for failure to maintain these registers — with penalties now up to S$25,000.
These changes bring Singapore in line with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on Beneficial Ownership (BO) transparency, ensuring that information about those who ultimately own or control a business is readily available to regulators.
Full details of the amendments can be found on the official ACRA page: ACRA — Register of Controllers.
Also Read: Stay Compliant in 2025: Your Complete ACRA Compliance Checklist!
When Must Companies and LLPs Prepare Their Register of Controllers in Singapore?
Previously, companies had a 30-day grace period after incorporation to prepare their ROC. Now, the ROC must be ready immediately on incorporation or registration day.
| Entity Type | ROC Preparation Deadline |
|---|---|
| Local companies (new) | Date of incorporation |
| LLPs (new) | Date of registration |
| Foreign companies (branch offices) | Date of registration |
This means compliance is no longer something that can be handled “later” — it must be part of your incorporation process itself.
How is a “Controller” Defined Under Singapore Law?
A controller is a person or entity that meets either of these thresholds:
- Ownership test: Holds 25% or more of shares (directly or indirectly).
- Control test: Has 25% or more of voting power in the company.
Controllers can be local or foreign.
From 2025 onwards the ROC must be updated within seven calendar days (earlier two business days), , to record any changes in the register.
What Is the Annual Confirmation Requirement for Controllers in Singapore?
This is one of the most significant changes introduced. All companies, foreign companies, and LLPs must contact each registrable controller at least once every year to confirm:
1. Whether the recorded information is still accurate, and
2. Whether there have been any changes to their status.
This process applies even if you believe nothing has changed — it’s a mandatory annual check to ensure corporate records remain current.
What Counts as a Foreign Company in Singapore for Compliance Purposes?
Under Singapore law, a foreign company is an entity incorporated outside Singapore that chooses to operate in Singapore. These may include:
1. Branch offices (covered under the new ROC and nominee director rules)
2. Subsidiaries (incorporated locally—treated as local companies)
3. Representative offices (not covered, as they are not incorporated entities)
The new rules on the Register of Nominee Directors apply only to branch offices of foreign companies.
For more details visit ACRA — Foreign Company Registration.
What are the New Rules for Maintaining a Register of Nominee Directors in Singapore?
From 16 June 2025, foreign companies registered in Singapore must maintain a Register of Nominee Directors (ROND). This register must be kept:
- At the company’s registered office in Singapore, or
- At the registered office of its Corporate Service Provider (CSP).
A nominee director is a locally resident individual appointed to meet the Companies Act requirement that every Singapore company must have at least one locally resident director
What are the Compliance Deadlines for Existing and New Entities in Singapore?
ACRA’s new transparency rules introduce specific timelines for maintaining the Register of Controllers (ROC) and the Register of Nominee Directors (ROND). Below is a quick reference guide for both existing and newly registered entities:
| Entity Type | ROC Requirement | ROND Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing local companies | Must maintain ROC | Not applicable | Already in force |
| Existing LLPs | Must maintain ROC | Not applicable | Already in force |
| Existing foreign companies | Must maintain ROC & ROND | Required | 31 Dec 2025 |
| New companies & LLPs (from 16 June 2025) | ROC required from day 1 | N/A | Date of incorporation |
| New foreign companies (from 16 June 2025) | ROC & ROND required from day 1 | Required | Date of registration |
What are the Increased Penalties for Non-Compliance in Singapore?
The maximum fine for failing to maintain either register has been increased to S$25,000.
| Offence | Previous Fine | New Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to maintain ROC | S$5,000 | S$25,000 |
| Failure to maintain ROND | S$5,000 | S$25,000 |
Why Has Singapore Introduced These Changes Now?
Globally, regulators are tightening rules to prevent money laundering, terrorism financing, and tax evasion. Low-transparency jurisdictions are facing more scrutiny, and Singapore is making sure its corporate registry remains credible and respected.
By strengthening beneficial ownership reporting, Singapore is signalling to investors, banks, and international partners that it will not tolerate misuse of its corporate system for illegal purposes.
Conclusion
The new ACRA transparency rules are not simply another administrative step for companies and LLPs—they are part of Singapore’s broader effort to remain a safe, trusted, and competitive business hub.
By requiring the Register of Controllers to be maintained from the day of incorporation, introducing annual confirmations, and adding a Register of Nominee Directors for foreign companies, the changes close loopholes and ensure up-to-date ownership information is always available.
For businesses, compliance is now both a legal obligation and a reputational safeguard. A lapse could not only lead to fines but also damage your credibility with partners, investors, and banks.
At 3E Accounting Singapore , we specialise in corporate compliance solutions — from preparing and maintaining your registers, to managing annual confirmations and meeting all ACRA filing requirements. With our expertise, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.
Contact 3E Accounting Singapore today to safeguard your compliance and protect your reputation under Singapore’s new transparency rules.
Ensure Your Company Meets ACRA’s 2025 Transparency Standards
Our compliance specialists ensure your filings, ownership records, and transparency declarations meet 2025 ACRA standards
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Foreign companies registered in Singapore must comply with the new beneficial ownership and transparency requirements.
LLPs must maintain accurate RORCs, disclose key ownership details to ACRA, and ensure all filings meet the updated compliance timelines.
Yes. Certain entities, such as those listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) or regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), are exempt.
Foreign investors must provide accurate beneficial ownership details, increasing accountability and reducing risks associated with anonymous shareholding.
Yes. Company secretaries will play a larger role in ensuring timely updates, verifying ownership data, and maintaining compliance.
Yes. Companies can use ACRA’s BizFile+ platform to submit RORC updates and other statutory filings.
Abigail Yu
Author
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.
