Global Highlights in Business and Compliance
From digital reform bills to international transparency battles, the past week has brought significant shifts in the world of registries. Governments around the world continue to accelerate digital transitions, tackle regulatory loopholes, and defend access to vital company ownership data.
Here is your round-up of what is making headlines in the registry world:
1. Europe: EU Strategy Aims to Make Region the Best Place for Entrepreneurs
The European Commission has unveiled a new strategy aimed at making the EU the best place in the world to start and grow a business.
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2. United Kingdom: New Regulations to Protect Personal Data on Public Registers
The UK government has proposed draft regulations to shield personal information on the public register of companies.
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3. Canada: Lawmakers Face Pressure to Introduce Foreign Agents Registry
Critics are urging the Carney government to implement a foreign agents registry to enhance transparency and combat interference.
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4. India: Record Number of Company Registrations in April
India’s Ministry of Corporate Affairs reported over 23,700 new companies were registered in April 2025 — a historic monthly high.
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5. British Virgin Islands: Premier Pushes Back on Registry Transparency Pressure
The Premier of the BVI has taken a firm stance against UK efforts to increase transparency in the territory’s company registers.
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6. Sri Lanka: Modernising Civil Registration for the Future Underway
The Sri Lankan government is introducing reforms to transform civil registration systems through digital integration and expanded services.
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7. Hong Kong: New Rules Allow Foreign Companies to Re-Domicile Locally
Hong Kong has implemented new rules allowing companies to re-domicile to the city, making it more attractive for global businesses.
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8. Papua New Guinea: AML/CFT Deadline Approaches
Papua New Guinea is working against the clock to address issues flagged by FATF regarding money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
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9. Australia & Southeast Asia: Countries Unite Against Terror Financing
A new regional initiative sees Australia and Southeast Asian countries collaborating to curb money laundering used for terrorist activities.
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10. West Africa: FATF Provides Support to West African Countries to Prepare for Regional AML Evaluations
The Financial Action Task Force is working with West African nations to prepare for upcoming anti-money laundering evaluations.
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11. Serbia: MONEYVAL Conducts Evaluation Visit on Financial Crime Prevention
MONEYVAL experts visited Serbia for an onsite review as part of its latest evaluation cycle on financial crime prevention measures.
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12. United States: Pushback Against Rollback of Corporate Transparency Act
The FACT Coalition has joined lawmakers and experts in opposing Treasury's move to soften the Corporate Transparency Act.
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13. India: Draft Registration Bill 2025 Introduces Property Registration Reform
The Indian government is set to overhaul its property registration system with a new digital-first legislation.
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14. Malaysia: Fee Waivers Support Digital Transition for Companies
The Companies Commission of Malaysia will waive late fees for three months as it moves to a digital reporting environment.
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15. Thailand: Mandatory Online Business Registration Takes Effect
Thailand now requires online registration for all partnerships and private limited companies.
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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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