Digital Registries, Ownership Transparency, and Financial Crime Reform
This week’s developments in the registry world reflect the push for greater transparency, innovation, and international regulatory alignment. Governments are refining systems, launching new portals, and advancing reforms that affect everything from property rental platforms to cryptocurrency compliance.
Here are the top stories shaping registry and compliance conversations around the globe:
-
Montenegro: New Portal for Beneficial Ownership Registry Launched
The country has introduced a new online platform for managing beneficial ownership disclosures.
Read more -
United States: Michigan Launches New Business Registry System
Michigan’s Corporations Division rolls out a completely redesigned business registry platform.
Read more -
North Macedonia: MONEYVAL Reviews AML Gaps and Progress
A new report identifies areas for improvement and highlights progress in anti-money laundering reforms.
Read more -
Lithuania: Crypto Firms Attracted by Speedy, Regulated Registration
Lithuania’s fast-track system and strong regulations are drawing more crypto companies to the country.
Read more -
Spain: Rental Platforms to Require Property Registration
Airbnb and others will comply with new EU rules requiring registration of all rental listings.
Read more -
British Virgin Islands: Register Plans Criticized Over Transparency
Anti-corruption advocates warn BVI’s registry plans clash with global transparency norms.
Read more -
Jamaica: Warning Issued to Companies on Ownership Disclosure
Entities are urged to disclose beneficial owners or risk being struck off the register.
Read more -
United Kingdom: 3,500 Deceased Listed as Company Directors
Investigations uncover thousands of deceased individuals still listed as company directors.
Read more -
Belize: Prime Minister Criticizes Tax Defaulter Name Publication
Concerns arise over public shaming versus transparency as names of defaulters are released.
Read more -
Syria: Over 5,700 Companies Registered in Five Months
A surge in business activity sees thousands of new company registrations in Syria.
Read more -
Sint Maarten: UBO Registration Fines Announced
Companies failing to register ultimate beneficial owners may face fines up to XCG 50,000.
Read more -
United States: Tempe Business Registry Sparks Debate
Business owners in Tempe, Arizona, express mixed reactions to the city’s new registry system.
Read more -
Moldova: Aligning AML/CFT Policies with EU Standards
Joint initiatives underway to bring Moldova’s policies in line with European Union standards.
Read more -
Canada: FINTRAC Targets Fentanyl Trafficking
Canada’s AML watchdog forms new intelligence team to combat fentanyl-linked financial crime.
Read more -
United Kingdom: Small Businesses Alarmed by New Rules
Recent Companies House regulations raise compliance concerns for small enterprises.
Read more -
British Virgin Islands: Company Register Access Rules Published
The BVI unveils official rules for accessing company ownership data.
Read more -
Saudi Arabia: MoU Signed to Boost AML Measures
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait sign agreement to strengthen joint anti-money laundering efforts.
Read more -
Italy: InfoCamere Highlights Economic and Environmental Impact
Italy’s chamber tech arm reports strong distributed value and wins awards for sustainability.
Read more -
Turkey: New Crypto Rules Aim to Prevent Money Laundering
Regulatory tightening in Turkey targets AML risks in the crypto sector.
Read more -
South Africa: AI Tools Recommended for AML Compliance
Progress noted in South Africa’s AML reforms, with AI suggested as a compliance tool.
Read more -
Singapore: InvoiceNow Guidance Issued for GST-Registered Businesses
New instructions help businesses comply with e-invoicing requirements.
Read more -
Cyprus: €25 Million Tax Debt Targeted from Russian-Linked Firm
The Cypriot tax office intensifies efforts to collect from companies with ties to sanctioned individuals.
Read more -
United States: Secretary of State Supports Small Business Growth in NC
North Carolina’s Elaine Marshall champions entrepreneurship during a visit to Wayne County.
Read more -
Sri Lanka: Companies Act Amendment Faces Legal Challenge
A watchdog group has challenged proposed legislation aimed at reforming corporate transparency.
Read more -
Papua New Guinea: Registry Awareness Campaign Underway
Authorities launch efforts to educate businesses on upcoming changes to the Companies Act.
Read more -
Kenya: Government Moves to Digitise Land Registries
A new initiative aims to modernize land record-keeping and reduce congestion in public offices.
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.
We Want to Hear From You!
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!