Global Updates in Transparency, Growth, and Reform
This week’s registry news spans from Asia to Europe and beyond, with developments in business growth, beneficial ownership transparency, new regulations, and international efforts to fight financial secrecy. From record numbers of new businesses in India and Vietnam to structural reforms in the UK, Cyprus, and Canada, the registry world is rapidly evolving.
Here are the highlights:
- Nepal: Government bans 26 social media platforms including Facebook and YouTube
The ban follows new mandatory registration rules for digital platforms. The move has disrupted communication and raised serious concerns over free speech and regulation.
Read More - United Kingdom: HM Land Registry training programme honoured at industry awards
The Land Registration Academy provides structured training and development to counteract the loss of institutional knowledge, ensuring continuity and service excellence.
Read More - Europe: Proposal for new “European Start-Up and Scale-Up” corporate form
The ESSU initiative would create a 28th corporate regime across the EU designed to reduce barriers for innovative companies and harmonise opportunities for cross-border growth.
Read More - Vietnam: Over 200,000 new enterprises in just eight months
The number of newly established and returning businesses reached 209,000, reflecting investor confidence and contributing to strong macroeconomic performance.
Read More - Global: FATF urges stronger transparency on shell companies
The watchdog has intensified calls for countries to disclose beneficial ownership after recent rollbacks in the US and Switzerland, underscoring risks in global financial secrecy.
Read More - Spain: Over half a million companies failed to submit annual accounts
A new study shows widespread non-compliance, mostly among small firms with minimal share capital, raising questions about enforcement and transparency.
Read More - Canada: Quebec strengthens transparency with real-time UBO registration
The civil law framework mandates live updates and XBRL compliance for digital asset firms, aligning financial reporting with ESG and investor protections.
Read More - British Virgin Islands: Incorporations rise nearly 8% in H1 2025
The steady increase builds on the recovery from a 25-year low in 2023, signalling renewed international confidence in the jurisdiction.
Read More - Jersey: Register of commercial property ownership proposed
A digital register would help track vacancies and curb anti-competitive practices, addressing inefficiencies in Jersey’s property sector.
Read More - United States: SEC releases new regulatory agenda
The agenda sets out reforms to reduce compliance burdens and enhance capital raising, with proposals benefiting emerging growth companies and simplifying reporting rules.
Read More - United Kingdom: Companies House confirms abolition of local statutory registers
Directors, secretaries, and PSCs will no longer need to maintain separate local registers, streamlining governance processes for UK companies.
Read More - South Africa: Financial Secrecy Index highlights corruption risks
The FSI reveals how secrecy jurisdictions enable illicit financial flows, shifting the focus onto facilitators of corruption worldwide.
Read More - Cyprus: New deadlines for Beneficial Owners Register compliance
The notification aligns with EU AML directives, reinforcing the jurisdiction’s commitment to combating financial crime.
Read More - India: Company registrations surge despite tariff challenges
Strong investor sentiment continues, supported by tax reforms and trade negotiations, keeping India’s growth outlook positive.
Read More - United Kingdom: Trust data on overseas entities register open to public requests
As of September 2025, individuals can apply for access to previously restricted trust information, enhancing corporate transparency.
Read More - Cayman Islands: Churches brought under NPO regulation
New rules require boards of officers and full transparency of church assets and income to meet registration requirements.
Read More - Jersey: Abramovich investigated in money laundering case
Court records indicate hundreds of millions in transactions linked to the Russian billionaire, sparking scrutiny of financial oversight.
Read More - United Arab Emirates: FTA sets strict compliance for corporate tax records
Companies must retain records for seven years and submit filings within nine months, with penalties for non-compliance.
Read More - Czech Republic: Scholarships offered to artists registering in new system
The Ministry of Culture will award stipends to incentivise artists to join the newly launched register of artists.
Read More - Isle of Man: Government strengthens fight against financial crime
New compliance and intelligence measures aim to protect the island’s finance sector from organised crime.
Read More - Oman: “Excellent Companies” initiative supports high performers
Incentives will boost productivity, exports, and expansion for leading firms in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Tax Authority.
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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