How to Update Shareholder Information in Singapore If you're running a business in Singapore, sooner or later you'll need to update shareholder information. Someone might sell their shares. You might issue new ones. Maybe there's a change in personal details — like a name or address. Whatever the case, you c an't just note it down and call it a day. In Singapore, shareholder updates are a legal process. They're tied to the Companies Act and monitored by ACRA (the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority). That means you've got forms to file, timelines to follow, and records to keep straight. Mess it up, and you could face fines. Or worse — disputes that drag through lawyers and eat up time no one has. Here’s what you need to know to get it right. First: What Counts as a Shareholder Update? Not every update is the same. Some are straightforward. Others are more involved. If a shareholder changes their address or name, that’s relatively simple. You just update your internal registers and file a notice with ACRA. But if there’s a transfer of shares — or new shares are issued — it’s a whole different story. That involves passing resolutions, updating registers, issuing new share certificates, and notifying ACRA. You also need to make sure that everything’s documented: who owns how many shares, when the change happened, and that it was approved properly. So , Who’s Responsible? By law, it’s the company’s duty to keep shareholder information accurate. That usually falls to the company secretary. And if your company doesn’t have a full - time one? Then you’re likely using external corporate secretarial services. Most companies in Singapore do. It’s cheaper and more efficient — especially for small and medium - sized businesses. These providers handle filings, maintain records, and make sure you don’t miss deadlines. But not all of them are the same. If your provider’s slow to respond or messes up your filings, you’re the one who’s liable. I f you're using secretarial services in Singapore, make sure they know what they’re doing. And that they’re responsive. You want someone who understands your business — not just a filing factory. The Actual Process: What You’ll Need to Do Let’s say there’s a share transfer. Here’s what usually happens: First, the board has to approve the transfer. That’s done through a directors’ resolution. Even if the shareholders agree, the board has the final say. Then, the share transfer form gets signed. It’s called a Form of Transfer of Shares. The buyer pays stamp duty — yes, even for private companies. Next, the company secretary updates the Register of Members. That’s the legal record of who owns what. ACRA also needs to be notified of the change through BizFile+ (Singapore’s corporate filing system). If shares are being issued instead of transferred, it’s a similar process — but with a few extra steps. You’ll need a resolution to allot shares, issue share certificates, and file the Return of Allotment of Shares with ACRA. Changes to personal details (like name or address) are simpler. But they still need to be recorded in the Register of Members and updated with ACRA. No matter the type of update, timelines matter. You usually have 14 days from the effective date to notify ACRA. Mistakes That Cause Trouble One common mistake? Forgetting to update internal records. ACRA might have the right info, but if your Register of Members is outdated, that’s a problem. In Singapore, the internal register is the primary proof of ownership — not ACRA’s records. Another issue is incomplete resolutions. If you don’t properly document board or shareholder approvals, the whole update can be challenged. That’s especially risky in disputes. And finally: not paying stamp duty. It's small, but skipping it can stall a transfer — and trigger penalties. When to Get Help If you’re just changing an address, you might handle it yourself. But for anything involving shares — transfers, new issues, ownership changes — it’s best to use professional corporate secretarial services. It’s not just about doing the paperwork. It’s about doing it right, so there’s a clear legal record if anyone ever questions it. That’s why secretarial services in Singapore exist in the first place. Not to file forms, but to keep your business compliant w ithout you needing to learn company law. Final Word Updating shareholder info isn’t glamorous. But it’s one of those things you can’t afford to get wrong. It touches ownership, liability, and tax — three things you never want to leave to chance. If you’re not sure how to handle it, talk to your company secretary or your service provider. And if you don’t have one, now’s a good time to find someone you trust. Because in Singapore, what’s written in your shareholder register isn’t just admin. It’s the legal truth about who owns your business. Make sure it’s accurate.