Why Is It Hard to Find Info on Singapore Company Registrants? Uncovering Reasons Solutions

Translation

In the context of rapid globalization and digitalization, the transparency of corporate registration information has become a focal point for the international community. As a global financial center and business hub, Singapore has attracted a large number of multinational corporations and individuals to register companies due to its efficient business environment and stable legal system. However, in recent years, many investors and business partners have found it increasingly difficult to access information about company registrants in Singapore. This phenomenon has sparked widespread discussion and raised the question why has Singapore established such information barriers? What are the deeper reasons behind this policy?

I. The Basic Framework of Singapore's Company Registration System

According to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority ACRA, all companies registered in Singapore must submit a series of basic information, including company name, registered address, identities of directors and shareholders, authorized capital, and business scope. This information is typically entered into ACRA’s public database for public access.

However, while basic company details such as name, registration number, and incorporation date can be obtained through ACRA’s Business Profile service, detailed personal information of shareholders and directors - such as names, identification numbers, and addresses - is strictly protected and not directly accessible to the public.

II. Reasons Behind the Difficulty in Accessing Registration Information

1. Privacy Protection as a Core Legislative Principle

Singapore places particular emphasis on personal privacy in its business regulations. The 2012 revised Companies Act explicitly states that certain personal information of directors and shareholders - such as home addresses and identification numbers - must not be disclosed publicly to prevent identity theft, harassment, or misuse. This aligns with the data minimization principle emphasized in the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation GDPR.

2. Meeting the Needs of an International Business Environment

As one of the most popular offshore registration jurisdictions, Singapore attracts a large number of foreign investors. To maintain its appeal as an international business center, Singapore seeks a balance between transparency and privacy protection. If all registrant information were fully disclosed, some investors might fear the risk of data exposure and choose to incorporate in other jurisdictions instead.

3. Preventing Commercial Competition and Harassment

In highly competitive business environments, competitors may exploit publicly available registration data for hostile takeovers, commercial harassment, or talent poaching. Restricting public access to registrant information helps protect business owners from unnecessary interference and safeguards their legitimate rights.

4. Complementary Legal Enforcement and Regulatory Mechanisms

Although registrant information is not publicly accessible, Singapore does not lack oversight. ACRA has established robust information-sharing mechanisms with regulatory bodies such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore MAS. In cases involving investigations, taxation, or anti-money laundering efforts, authorized agencies can legally obtain full registration details. This approach - internal transparency with external confidentiality - maintains regulatory authority while protecting public privacy.

III. Recent News and Cases

In 2025, media reports indicated that an investigation into a Singapore-registered tech company accused of a data breach was hindered because the real controlling parties could not be easily traced - ACRA did not disclose the company’s ultimate beneficial owner information. This incident reignited discussions about corporate transparency. In response, ACRA stated that its system was designed to protect personal privacy while ensuring that law enforcement agencies can access necessary information when required.

The same year, Singapore’s Ministry of Finance responded to parliamentary questions by stating that it was exploring the introduction of a Beneficial Ownership Register, requiring companies to maintain and update records of ultimate beneficial owners internally. However, this information would remain accessible only to regulators and financial institutions, not to the general public.

IV. Strategies and Recommendations

For investors or business partners seeking to obtain registration details of Singapore companies, the following legal approaches and strategies are available

1. Apply for Information via ACRA’s Official Channels

While the general public cannot directly access detailed registrant information, individuals with legitimate reasons - such as legal disputes, contract verification, or bank due diligence - may submit an information request to ACRA, providing supporting documentation and a clear purpose.

2. Seek Assistance from Professional Firms

Many law firms, accounting firms, and business service providers have direct communication channels with regulatory bodies and can assist clients in obtaining necessary background information. Some professional due diligence firms also offer background investigation services specifically for Singapore-based companies.

3. Cross-Verify Using Publicly Available Information

Although registrant data is protected, companies often disclose partial executive information on their websites, business contracts, or bank documents. Cross-referencing this data with basic company information from ACRA can help identify the actual controllers to some extent.

4. Strengthen Due Diligence Processes

For cross-border transactions or collaborations involving Singapore companies, it is advisable to conduct more comprehensive due diligence before signing contracts. In addition to registration details, reviewing financial health, business background, and past cooperation records can help mitigate potential risks.

V. Conclusion

The difficulty in accessing registration information for Singapore companies is not intended to conceal information, but rather reflects a comprehensive consideration of personal privacy, commercial security, and international competitiveness. As global regulatory requirements for anti-money laundering and tax evasion continue to rise, Singapore is continuously improving its regulatory framework. For businesses and investors, understanding the rationale behind this system and adopting appropriate and legal methods to obtain information is the right way forward.