From Bermuda’s new beneficial ownership legislation and Switzerland’s federal register reform, to Canada’s exploration of a lobbyist registry and Latvia’s revealing data on company beneficiaries, governments are moving fast to strengthen transparency and compliance. We also cover insights from across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific—highlighting how registries, governance, and technology continue to shape economies and societies worldwide.
Here are this week's highlights:
Bermuda: Upper House passes beneficial ownership legislation
The Upper House has approved the Beneficial Ownership Act 2025, transferring management of the register from the Bermuda Monetary Authority to the Registrar of Companies.
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United States: FinCEN plans to delete data on U.S. companies from beneficial ownership database
Five years after the FinCEN Files, the Trump administration has walked back major AML rules, including retaining U.S. beneficial ownership data.
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Canada: Victoria digs into potential for local lobbyist registry
City officials are considering the creation of a lobbyist registry to enhance transparency in municipal politics.
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India: $1.4 billion in dividends stuck in Russia
Indian oil companies have $1.4 billion in dividends trapped in Russia, with negotiations ongoing but no breakthrough so far.
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Switzerland: Parliament adopts the Federal Beneficial Ownership Register
Switzerland has passed legislation establishing a federal beneficial ownership register, aligning with international AML standards.
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Latvia: Foreigners identified as main beneficiaries of local companies
New registry data shows foreign nationals from 117 countries—led by Russian citizens—are listed as real beneficiaries of Latvian firms.
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Poland: Poland makes it easier to check if a business is a registered VAT payer
The Sejm has approved amendments that streamline compliance by simplifying access to VAT payer status.
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Belgium: Court adopts legal approach to beneficial ownership in tax exemption case
A Belgian court has favoured a legalistic interpretation of beneficial ownership when applying EU directives on withholding tax exemptions.
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Ghana: Politically exposed persons in focus
A new study explores the links between corruption, money laundering, and politically exposed persons (PEPs).
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Fiji: No room for crypto firms, says anti-money laundering body
Fiji’s AML Council reaffirmed its ban on virtual asset service providers, citing national security and financial integrity concerns.
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Scotland: Corporate insolvencies fall by 7% in August
Despite the decline in insolvencies, experts warn that underlying market uncertainties remain.
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World: OECD releases ‘Governing with Artificial Intelligence’ guide
The OECD has published a framework for governments to integrate AI into core administrative functions.
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Africa: GovTech can unlock inclusive governance
A new World Economic Forum report highlights the potential of GovTech to modernise African public services and strengthen citizen engagement.
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Denmark: Company and executives charged over military exports to Russia
Authorities have charged a Danish company and two senior executives with illegal military exports to Russia.
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India: Registrar of Companies penalises firms for non-compliance
The RoC has fined companies and directors who failed to maintain a registered office, reinforcing governance standards.
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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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