Understanding Your Company's Statutory Registers: What to Maintain for ACRA Compliance When you first start a business in Singapore, the focus is usually on the exciting stuff: product launches, finding your first clients, and getting revenue in the door. The administrative backend often feels like a chore you’ll get to "eventually." But under the Singapore Companies Act, "eventually" isn't an option. One of the most critical, yet frequently overlooked, aspects of running a company here is maintaining your statutory registers. It sounds dry, but these records are essentially the official diary of your company’s life. If they aren’t accurate, you aren’t just disorganized — you’re likely non - compliant with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Here is a straightforward look at what statutory registers are, which ones you strictly need to maintain, and why reliable corporate secretarial services are often essential to keeping them in order. What Are Statutory Registers? Think of statutory registers as the definitive "who, what, and when" of your company. They are a collection of records that detail the company’s structure and key personnel. If a dispute ever arises about who owns shares or who the directors were three years ago, these registers are the primary source of truth. In the past, these were literal physical books kept at the company's registered office. Today, while you can still have physical copies, much of this information is maintained electronically. Regardless of the format, the requirement remains: they must be kept up - to - date. The Key Registers You Must Maintain ACRA requires every Singapore company to keep specific registers. For most private limited companies, these are the non - negotiables. 1. Register of Members This is arguably the most important document for shareholders. It lists the names and addresses of everyone who holds shares in the company, the number of shares they own, and the amount paid on those shares. It also tracks dates. It records exactly when someone became a member and, if they sell their shares, exactly when they ceased to be a member. If you are fundraising or selling the company later, investors will scrutinize this register to verify ownership. 2. Register of Directors, Secretaries, Auditors, and CEOs This register tracks the people running the show. It lists the personal details of your directors, company secretary, auditors, and Chief Executive Officers. For private companies, this information is now largely maintained via ACRA’s electronic register (BizFile+). However, discrepancies can happen. This is where corporate secretarial services provide value — they ensure that your internal records match exactly what is on the ACRA database, preventing administrative errors that could cause confusion later. 3. Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) This is a relatively newer requirement that came about to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism. A "controller" is essentially the beneficial owner — someone who has significant interest (more than 25% of shares) or significant control over the company. Sometimes, the person on the Register of Members is just a nominee, and the real owner is someone els e. The RORC cuts through the layers to identify the actual humans at the top. Unlike the Register of Members, the RORC is not available to the public. However, you must maintain it and be ready to show it to authorities upon request. 4. Register of Nominee Directors If your company uses a nominee director (common for foreign business owners who need a local director to meet statutory requirements), you must keep a register detailing this arrangement. This register must list the nominee director’s details and the details of the person for whom they are acting. Like the RORC, this is about transparency and accountability. Why Does This Matter? (Beyond Just Rules) It is easy to view these registers as just paperwork. However, failing to maintain them has real - world consequences. 1. Penalties and Fines ACRA takes this seriously. Failure to maintain registers like the RORC can result in fines of up to S$5,000 for the company and its officers. If you are found to be willfully non - compliant, the penalties can be steeper. 2. Due Diligence Friction If you ever plan to take out a bank loan, bring on investors, or sell your business, the other party will perform due diligence. The first thing their lawyers will ask for is your statutory books. If your registers are messy, missing, or contradictory, it raises a red flag. It suggests the company is poorly managed. Experienced investors often view the engagement of professional corporate secretarial services as a green flag during this process, as it implies the records have been professionally maintained. 3. Resolving Disputes Imagine a scenario where two founders have a falling out. One claims they own 40% of the company, but the other says it’s only 30%. If the paperwork wasn't signed and the Register of Members wasn't updated, resolving that dispute becomes expensive and mess y. The register serves as prima facie evidence of ownership. Who Actually Updates These? Technically, the company directors are responsible for ensuring these registers are kept. In practice, however, directors rarely touch them. This is the primary job of the Company Secretary. In Singapore, you are required by law to appoint a qualified Company Secretary within six months of incorporation. Their role isn't just ceremonial; they are the compliance officer for the company. They are the ones who file the changes with ACRA, draft th e resolutions, and update the registers. This is why many SMEs outsource this function to professional firms offering corporate secretarial services. These providers ensure that when you add a new director or issue new shares, the registers are updated immediately and correctly. It removes the ad ministrative burden from the business owner and ensures that you don't accidentally miss a filing deadline. Moving to Digital Singapore is moving toward a transparent, digital - first corporate environment. For private companies, the "electronic register of members" maintained by ACRA is now considered the definitive register. This means that when you file a Notice of Transfer of Shares via BizFile+, the timestamp on that filing is the legal moment ownership changes. This shift makes it even more critical to use competent corporate secretarial services that understand the digital filing ecosystem. A delay in filing isn't just a paperwork delay anymore — it’s a delay in the legal effectiveness of your business decisions. Summary Running a business involves a thousand moving parts. It is understandable that updating a register feels less urgent than solving a client crisis. But these registers form the legal backbone of your corporate entity. Whether you handle compliance in - house or rely on external corporate secretarial services Singapore , the goal remains the same: accuracy and timeliness. By keeping your registers current, you aren't just ticking a box for the government. You are protecting your ownership, preparing your business for future investment, and ensuring that if ACRA ever knoc ks on your door, you have nothing to worry about.