{"id":100938,"date":"2025-08-28T12:47:44","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T04:47:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/?p=100938"},"modified":"2026-08-01T14:08:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T06:08:37","slug":"what-do-acras-new-rules-mean-for-singapore-businesses-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/blog\/what-do-acras-new-rules-mean-for-singapore-businesses-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"What Do ACRA\u2019s New Rules Mean for Singapore Businesses in 2025?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Singapore\u2019s reputation as one of the world\u2019s most trusted business destinations is not a coincidence. For all statutory filings and entity searches, you may visit the ACRA Singapore Registrar of Companies (ROC)<\/a> website. 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.<\/p>\n

On 16 June 2025, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)<\/a><\/strong> 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\u2014to ensure that the ultimate individuals or entities controlling a business are known and traceable at all times.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

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\u2014it is part of good business practice.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n

What are the New Transparency Rules Introduced in Singapore by ACRA in 2025?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

From 16 June 2025,<\/strong> the new ACRA rules require companies and LLPs to:<\/p>\n

1. Maintain a Register of Controllers (ROC) from the day of incorporation or registration.
\n2. Conduct an annual confirmation with every controller listed.
\n3. Require foreign companies registered in Singapore to maintain a Register of Nominee Directors.<\/strong><\/a>
\n4. Face higher fines for failure to maintain these registers \u2014 with penalties now up to S$25,000.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Full details of the amendments can be found on the official ACRA page: ACRA \u2014 Register of Controllers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Also Read: Stay Compliant in 2025: Your Complete ACRA Compliance Checklist!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Must Companies and LLPs Prepare Their Register of Controllers in Singapore?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Entity Type<\/th>\nROC Preparation Deadline<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Local companies (new)<\/td>\nDate of incorporation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
LLPs (new)<\/td>\nDate of registration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Foreign companies (branch offices)<\/td>\nDate of registration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

This means compliance is no longer something that can be handled \u201clater\u201d \u2014 it must be part of your incorporation process itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/h2>\n

How is a \u201cController\u201d Defined Under Singapore Law?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A controller is a person or entity that meets either of these thresholds:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Ownership test:<\/strong> Holds 25% or more of shares (directly or indirectly).<\/li>\n
  2. Control test:<\/strong> Has 25% or more of voting power in the company.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Controllers can be local or foreign.<\/p>\n

    From 2025 onwards the ROC must be updated within seven calendar days (earlier two business days), , to record any changes in the register.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    What Is the Annual Confirmation Requirement for Controllers in Singapore?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    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:<\/p>\n

    1. Whether the recorded information is still accurate, and<\/p>\n

    2. Whether there have been any changes to their status.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    This process applies even if you believe nothing has changed \u2014 it\u2019s a mandatory annual check to ensure corporate records remain current.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    What Counts as a Foreign Company in Singapore for Compliance Purposes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Under Singapore law, a foreign company is an entity incorporated outside Singapore that chooses to operate in Singapore. These may include:<\/p>\n

    1. Branch offices (covered under the new ROC and nominee director rules)<\/p>\n

    2. Subsidiaries (incorporated locally\u2014treated as local companies)<\/p>\n

    3. Representative offices (not covered, as they are not incorporated entities)<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The new rules on the Register of Nominee Directors apply only to branch offices of foreign companies.<\/p>\n

    For more details visit ACRA \u2014 Foreign Company Registration.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    What are the New Rules for Maintaining a Register of Nominee Directors in Singapore?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    From 16 June 2025, foreign companies registered in Singapore must maintain a Register of Nominee Directors (ROND)<\/a><\/strong>. This register must be kept:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. At the company\u2019s registered office in Singapore, or<\/li>\n
    2. At the registered office of its Corporate Service Provider (CSP).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      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<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      What are the Compliance Deadlines for Existing and New Entities in Singapore?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      ACRA\u2019s 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:<\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Entity Type<\/th>\nROC Requirement<\/th>\nROND Requirement<\/th>\nDeadline<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      Existing local companies<\/td>\nMust maintain ROC<\/td>\nNot applicable<\/td>\nAlready in force<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Existing LLPs<\/td>\nMust maintain ROC<\/td>\nNot applicable<\/td>\nAlready in force<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Existing foreign companies<\/td>\nMust maintain ROC & ROND<\/td>\nRequired<\/td>\n31 Dec 2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      New companies & LLPs (from 16 June 2025)<\/td>\nROC required from day 1<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nDate of incorporation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      New foreign companies (from 16 June 2025)<\/td>\nROC & ROND required from day 1<\/td>\nRequired<\/td>\nDate of registration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      What are the Increased Penalties for Non-Compliance in Singapore?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      The maximum fine for failing to maintain either register has been increased to <\/span>S$25,000.<\/b><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Offence<\/th>\nPrevious Fine<\/th>\nNew Fine<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
      Failure to maintain ROC<\/td>\nS$5,000<\/td>\nS$25,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Failure to maintain ROND<\/td>\nS$5,000<\/td>\nS$25,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Why Has Singapore Introduced These Changes Now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Conclusion<\/h2>\n

      The new ACRA transparency rules are not simply another administrative step for companies and LLPs\u2014they are part of Singapore\u2019s broader effort to remain a safe, trusted, and competitive business hub.<\/p>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

      At 3E Accounting Singapore<\/strong> <\/a>, we specialise in corporate compliance solutions \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

      Contact 3E Accounting Singapore<\/strong><\/a> today to safeguard your compliance and protect your reputation under Singapore\u2019s new transparency rules.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       
      \n      \"Singapore<\/a>
      \n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_title=”CTA”][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1730870221717{background-color: #126742 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;border-color: #EEEEEE !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

      Ensure Your Company Meets ACRA\u2019s 2025 Transparency Standards<\/b><\/h4>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Our compliance specialists ensure your filings, ownership records, and transparency declarations meet 2025 ACRA standards<\/p>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Contact Now” style=”flat” color=”white” align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1756205043139{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.3ecpa.com.sg%2Fcontact-us%2F”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

      Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion title_tag=”h3″ style=”flat” color=”green” spacing=”10″ gap=”10″ c_align=”left” c_position=”right” active_section=”” no_fill=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1753853647348{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_tta_section title=”Are foreign companies in Singapore subject to the new ACRA requirements?” tab_id=”how-do-i-search-for-domain-name-availability”][vc_column_text css=””]Yes. Foreign companies registered in Singapore must comply with the new beneficial ownership and transparency requirements.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How does ACRA\u2019s transparency update affect LLPs in Singapore?” tab_id=”what-do-you-do-if-your-domain-name-has-already-been-taken”][vc_column_text css=””]LLPs must maintain accurate RORCs, disclose key ownership details to ACRA, and ensure all filings meet the updated compliance timelines.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Are there exemptions from ACRA\u2019s beneficial ownership reporting?” tab_id=”which-domain-is-better-for-local-visibility-of-business”][vc_column_text css=””]Yes. Certain entities, such as those listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) or regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), are exempt.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How do the 2025 transparency rules impact foreign investors in Singapore?” tab_id=”1739956567279-f0c3bd45-7a1b”][vc_column_text css=””]Foreign investors must provide accurate beneficial ownership details, increasing accountability and reducing risks associated with anonymous shareholding.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Will ACRA\u2019s 2025 rules affect company secretarial practices?” tab_id=”1747126860088-908016b1-7af9″][vc_column_text css=””]Yes. Company secretaries will play a larger role in ensuring timely updates, verifying ownership data, and maintaining compliance.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Is there an online portal for filing transparency updates with ACRA?” tab_id=”1751608328505-8657e7c9-eb57″][vc_column_text css=””]Yes. Companies can use ACRA\u2019s BizFile+ platform to submit RORC updates and other statutory filings.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1730870221717{background-color: #126742 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;border-color: #EEEEEE !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

      \n
      \n

      \"Abigail<\/p>\n

      \n

      Abigail Yu<\/p>\n

      Author<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Connect Now” style=”flat” color=”white” align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1754042193749{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fabigail-yu%2F”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Singapore\u2019s reputation as one of the world\u2019s most trusted business destinations is not a coincidence. For all statutory filings and entity searches, you may visit the ACRA Singapore Registrar of Companies (ROC) website. It is the result of decades of careful policy-making, strong rule of law, and a commitment to corporate transparency. Investors and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":100939,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-100938","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-blog","category-15","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100938","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/57"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=100938"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100938\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":107597,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100938\/revisions\/107597"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=100938"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=100938"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glutenfreepleasure.com\/__proxy_domain\/www.3ecpa.com.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=100938"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}