Key Developments in Global Business Registries
This week’s Registry News brings important updates from around the world. From major digital registration reforms to new initiatives in transparency and anti-fraud efforts, registries worldwide are evolving to meet modern needs.
Here’s a roundup of the most important registry news this week:
- Pakistan: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has announced plans to establish a centralized Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Registry for the corporate sector.
This initiative aims to enhance financial transparency and align with global anti-money laundering standards. Read More
- Brazil: In the first quarter of 2025, Brazil registered the opening of over 1.4 million small businesses, setting a new record.
This surge reflects a growing entrepreneurial spirit and a favorable business climate in the country. Read More
- United Kingdom: The UK government has pledged £121 million to boost quantum technology, aiming to tackle fraud, prevent money laundering, and drive economic growth.
This investment underscores the nation's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for financial security. Read More
- China: New standards have been announced for non-use trademark cancellations, requiring elevated evidence to remove inactive trademarks.
This move aims to strengthen intellectual property rights enforcement and ensure fair competition. Read More
- Iran: Iran has unveiled its first comprehensive action plan against money laundering and terrorism financing.
The plan outlines a strategic approach to combat financial crimes and enhance the country's financial integrity. Read More
- Kenya: The Kenyan government has given companies a one-month ultimatum to disclose their ultimate beneficial owners.
This directive aims to increase transparency and combat corruption within the corporate sector. Read More
- Kuwait: Approximately 90% of companies in Kuwait have completed beneficial owner disclosure within one month.
The success is attributed to the successful awareness campaigns and a commitment to regulatory compliance. Read More
- New Zealand: The Integrity Institute of New Zealand has called for the establishment of a lobbyist register.
The institute cites growing concerns over transparency and accountability in political lobbying. Read More
- Canada: Appara has integrated with the Ontario Business Registry.
The move will help provide real-time access to business information and streamlining corporate transactions. Read More
- Isle of Man: The Isle of Man Central Registry has digitized its services to achieve greater operational efficiency.
Local government makes effort to allow customers to submit company filings and make payments online. Read More
- Vatican: The Vatican has stated that it is impossible to remove oneself from the baptismal registry.
This statement emphasizes the permanence of this sacrament in the Church's records. Read More
- United Arab Emirates: The UAE Central Bank has imposed sanctions on a bank for failing to comply with anti-money laundering policies.
The sanctions highlight the country's commitment to financial integrity. Read More
- Seychelles: Seychelles has become the first country to comply with the Fisheries Transparency Initiative standard.
Seychelles is setting a precedent for transparency in the fisheries sector. Read More
- Nigeria: Nigeria has cracked down on unlawful digital asset platforms.
New regulation makes it illegal to operate such platforms without proper registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Read More
- India: Binance has introduced mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) re-verification for users in India.
Indian users require updated identity documents to comply with anti-money laundering laws. Read More
- Australia: According to local law firm, there is evidence that suggests that the Companies Register needs stronger security measures.
Said measures are said to be necessary to combat cyber fraud, highlighting vulnerabilities in the current system. Read More
Stay updated by visiting often our "Registry News Weekly" summary and the Foster Moore blog for more insights on these stories and other key registry news.
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Are there important developments or news about your registry that you’d like to share with the wider registry community? We invite registry professionals and organizations to submit news for inclusion in our weekly digest. Submit your updates to press@fostermoore.com and help us keep the registry world informed!