As 2025 draws to a close, Singapore companies must review their corporate secretarial compliance to ensure a smooth transition into 2026. Staying compliant avoids penalties and sets the stage for strong business performance in the year ahead.
If you’re unsure about the full scope of your secretarial obligations, our comprehensive guide to corporate secretarial services explains key responsibilities and best practices for Singapore companies. For a broader look at how compliance impacts your organization, see The Importance of Compliance: Navigating Singapore’s Corporate Regulations.
Use this checklist to help your business meet all key requirements before and during the new compliance cycle.
⚠️ Critical Timeline Alert First and foremost, 2026 brings strict enforcement of new compliance rules. Moreover, the Corporate and Accounting Laws Amendment Bill passed in November 2025. Consequently, most provisions start from April 2026. Therefore, businesses must prepare now for tougher regulations.
Singapore Corporate Compliance Changes 2026: What You Need to Know
Obviously, the 2026 compliance landscape is changing dramatically. In fact, below are five critical updates affecting Singapore companies. Additionally, each change impacts your operations differently.
1. Stricter Anti-Money Laundering Rules
First of all, ACRA is tightening controls on company misuse. Specifically, this prevents money laundering and terrorism financing. As a result, the new rules affect all Singapore companies.
Enhanced Due Diligence Standards
Furthermore, all corporate service providers must conduct enhanced due diligence. Similarly, companies must verify beneficial ownership structures. In addition, stricter monitoring applies to all transactions.
Nominee Disclosure Requirements
Moreover, nominee directors must disclose their status. Likewise, nominee shareholders face mandatory disclosure. Consequently, full transparency is now required for all nominee arrangements.
💡 Action Required: Therefore, companies using nominee structures must ensure full transparency. Additionally, proper documentation is essential. Otherwise, non-disclosure results in severe penalties.
2. Enhanced Shareholder Protection Measures
Secondly, shareholder rights are being strengthened significantly. Indeed, the amendments improve governance standards substantially. As a result, this ensures fair treatment for all stakeholders.
Related Party Transaction Rules
Furthermore, improved disclosure applies to related party transactions. Specifically, companies must reveal all material relationships. In addition, board approval is mandatory for significant transactions.
Minority Shareholder Rights
Moreover, minority shareholders now have strengthened rights. Consequently, they can challenge unfair decisions more easily. Therefore, companies must ensure equitable treatment for all shareholders.
💡 Action Required: Accordingly, document all shareholder meetings properly. Additionally, record resolutions clearly. Furthermore, respect minority shareholders' rights. Otherwise, non-compliance leads to legal challenges.
3. Updated Financial Reporting Standards
Thirdly, 2026 brings full enforcement of new reporting standards. In fact, ACRA ended the transition period. Consequently, companies must comply fully now.
SFRS Compliance Mandates
Moreover, the new standards require higher accuracy levels. Specifically, small entities face reduced disclosures but stricter validation. Therefore, monthly bookkeeping becomes mandatory for all companies.
Group Consolidation Rules
Furthermore, stricter consolidation applies to group companies. Similarly, holding structures require proper consolidation. In addition, dormant subsidiaries may still need consolidation under new rules.
XBRL Validation Systems
Additionally, enhanced XBRL systems detect errors automatically. Consequently, filing rejections increase for non-compliant submissions. Therefore, companies must ensure accuracy before filing.
Audit Focus Areas
Moreover, auditors will focus on specific areas intensively. Specifically, employee benefits need accurate reporting now. Similarly, revenue recognition requires proper documentation. In addition, financial instruments must follow updated standards.
⚠️ Critical Warning: Specifically, ACRA's XBRL system detects errors automatically. Consequently, year-end cleanup accounting no longer works. Therefore, filing rejections and penalties will result.
4. Higher Director Accountability Standards
Furthermore, directors face unprecedented accountability levels. Indeed, personal liability now applies to governance failures. As a result, this represents a major shift in director responsibilities.
Financial Statement Understanding
Moreover, directors must demonstrate understanding of financial statements. Specifically, they must comprehend what they approve. Consequently, rubber-stamp approvals are no longer acceptable under new rules.
Documentation Requirements
Additionally, proper documentation of accounting judgments is required. Similarly, board minutes must record all significant decisions. Therefore, companies must maintain comprehensive records of all financial decisions.
Personal Liability Implications
Furthermore, directors face personal liability for inaccurate statements. Consequently, signing misleading financial statements carries serious consequences. Therefore, professional indemnity insurance is strongly recommended for all directors.
💡 Action Required: Therefore, all directors must participate actively. Additionally, understand what you approve thoroughly. Moreover, consider professional insurance coverage. Finally, nominee directors face equal accountability now.
5. Enhanced CSP and Accountant Oversight
Finally, corporate service providers face stronger oversight requirements. Indeed, public accountants must meet higher professional standards. Consequently, ACRA's enforcement powers have increased significantly.
CSP Registration Mandates
Moreover, all corporate service providers must register with ACRA. Specifically, registration became mandatory in June 2025. Additionally, enhanced AML/CFT compliance is required for all registered CSPs.
Professional Standards for Accountants
Furthermore, stricter professional standards apply to auditors and accountants. Similarly, increased ACRA enforcement powers ensure compliance. Consequently, higher penalties apply for professional misconduct.
Verifying Service Provider Compliance
Therefore, verify your service providers are registered properly. Additionally, check their ACRA standing regularly. Otherwise, using unregistered providers exposes your company to risk. Consequently, regulatory action can result from non-compliant partnerships.
💡 Action Required: Therefore, verify your corporate secretary is registered. Additionally, confirm your accountant's ACRA status. Furthermore, check your auditor's credentials. Finally, update service providers if needed.
2026 Implementation Timeline
Obviously, understanding key dates helps you prepare effectively. Moreover, below are the critical milestones for 2026 compliance implementation.
Key Compliance Dates
Time-Sensitive Action Required
⏰ Urgent: Specifically, you have less than 4 months until April 2026. Consequently, companies waiting face audit delays. Moreover, filing rejections will increase substantially. Therefore, penalties are inevitable for late movers.
How to Prepare for 2026 Changes
Obviously, preparation is crucial for smooth compliance. Indeed, companies that act now will avoid last-minute stress. Therefore, the checklist below provides your complete action plan.
Start Your Compliance Preparation Today
Consequently, use the detailed checklist below. Specifically, it covers every requirement for 2026 compliance. Therefore, follow each step to ensure your business is ready.
New to corporate secretarial services? Learn more about what corporate secretaries do and why your company needs one before diving into the compliance checklist below.
- Ensure your company has a qualified company secretary in place going into 2026.
- The secretary should be familiar with the latest regulatory updates and filing deadlines.
- Review and update all statutory registers for directors, shareholders, and secretaries.
- Record any share transfers, allotments, and changes in company officers from 2025.
- Ensure your post-incorporation compliance and annual filings are up to date.
- Plan your AGM in accordance with your company’s financial year-end.
- Send notices and annual reports to shareholders as required.
- Prepare a summary of 2025 activities and ensure all meeting minutes are properly recorded.
- File your annual returns and ensure all company information is up to date with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
- Complete this filing promptly as you close your 2025 accounts.
5. Prepare Financial Statements for 2025
- Compile financial statements in line with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS).
- Submit XBRL statements where necessary.
- Ensure unaudited companies have completed their financial statements for reference and record.
6. Report Company Changes Promptly
- Lodge any changes in company structure, such as new directors or changes in registered office address, with ACRA before the start of 2026.
- File all required resolutions and supporting documents within statutory deadlines.
- If you need to register a new company or select your ideal company name, ensure all steps are compliant.
7. Monitor Regulatory Updates for 2026
- Stay informed about any changes to compliance requirements or deadlines that may come into effect in 2026. Read our Singapore Business Tax Regulation and IRAS InvoiceNow Mandate 2025 for recent statutory updates.
- Subscribe to ACRA and MOM updates or consult your corporate secretary for guidance.
8. Plan for Ongoing Compliance
- Review and renew any necessary business licenses or permits before expiry.
- Ensure all registers and records are well-organized for the coming year.
- Schedule compliance checks throughout 2026 to avoid surprises.
- Consider how cross-border business or international hiring (Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit) may impact your compliance needs.
9. Seek Expert Support if Needed
- If 2025 brought changes or challenges—such as restructuring, mergers, or regulatory updates—consult a professional for tailored corporate secretarial support.
- Outsourcing complex compliance tasks can save time and reduce risk.
- For additional support, learn more about immigration and visa services, permanent residence, or double tax agreements.
Official Resources & References
For the most up-to-date compliance information and official guidelines, refer to these authoritative Singapore government sources:
💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark these official resources for quick access during your compliance review. Always verify information directly from government sources for the most current regulations.