Key Developments in Global Business Registries
From new regulatory frameworks to digital-first registration systems, this week’s Registry News highlights the ongoing push for modernization and accountability in business registries worldwide. Governments are introducing sweeping compliance deadlines, piloting tech-enabled services, and tightening oversight of crypto, finance, and corporate practices.
Here’s a roundup of the most impactful developments:
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Singapore: Corporate Service Providers Act 2024 to Take Effect in June 2025
Singapore is bolstering corporate governance with a new law that tightens licensing and conduct standards for service providers. Read more -
Europe: Transparency International on EU Asset Disclosure
A new report explores how European asset disclosure rules are evolving—and what gaps still exist. Read more -
UK & Europe: Crypto Regulation Ramps Up
The UK and Europe are positioning themselves as global leaders in shaping the future of crypto regulation. Read more -
Thailand: DBD Biz Regist Going Fully Digital in July
Thailand’s Department of Business Development will launch a fully online business registration platform, DBD Biz Regist, next month. Read more -
Nigeria: CAC Gives Six Weeks to Comply with Registration Requirements
Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission is cracking down on non-compliant entities with a firm deadline and warning of enforcement action. Read more -
Ghana: Registrar’s Office to Pilot At-Home Business Registration App
Ghana is testing a mobile app to allow users to register their businesses from the comfort of home. Read more -
Gibraltar: First-Ever Crypto Clearing Regulation in Partnership with Bullish
Gibraltar teams up with Bullish and the GFSC to pioneer a world-first in crypto clearing regulation. Read more -
USA: Consumer Finance Watchdog Proposes Scrapping 'Bad Actor' Registry
The U.S. CFPB may eliminate its proposed registry for corporate offenders, raising questions around enforcement transparency. Read more -
British Virgin Islands: Under International Pressure for Corporate Registry Reform
The BVI faces mounting calls to overhaul its opaque registry practices. Read more -
Panama: Colombia’s Asylum to Convicted Ex-President Sparks Anti-Corruption Concerns
Transparency advocates criticize Colombia’s move as undermining accountability across the region. Read more -
Dominica: ARCS 2025 Summit Highlights Caribbean AML/CFT Progress
Dominica hosts the regional compliance summit to spotlight regional approaches to anti-money laundering. Read more -
South Africa: Sushi Shop Company Awarded R15 Billion Gas Project Sparks Scrutiny
A controversial case sees a sushi shop-registered company securing a massive government contract. Read more -
Albania: Foreign Digital Service Providers Must Register for VAT
Albania updates its tax policies to require VAT registration from foreign companies offering online services. Read more -
Sri Lanka: Digital Reforms Streamline Company Registration
Sri Lanka embraces digitalization to simplify and speed up company registration. Read more -
USA: Mandatory Re-Registration of Delaware Trade Names from June 2025
Delaware will require trade name re-registration starting June next year. Read more -
Canada: MinuteBox Granted Ontario Business Registry License
MinuteBox becomes the latest tech platform to receive official approval in Ontario. Read more -
Philippines: Business Name Registrations Down by Over a Third in April
A sharp decline in registrations and renewals reflects shifting business trends. Read more -
Singapore: High Court Signals Jail for Negligent Nominee Directors
Directors who fail to oversee companies set up for clients could face prison time under recent rulings. 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!