Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)

🔹 Definition

The Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC) is a private register maintained by companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) in Singapore, containing information on individuals or entities that have significant ownership or control—also known as beneficial owners. The RORC is a critical component of Singapore’s corporate transparency framework, aimed at preventing the misuse of legal entities for money laundering, terrorist financing, and tax evasion.

Under the Companies Act and the Limited Liability Partnerships Act, most Singapore-incorporated entities are required to maintain a RORC and file the information with ACRA’s central RORC system.

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who must maintain a RORC?

• All companies (except for exempted entities such as listed companies and their subsidiaries)
• All LLPs
• Foreign companies registered in Singapore (for local branches)

Q2: What information must be included in the RORC?
For each registrable controller, the following details are required:

• Full name and aliases
• Residential address (for individuals) or registered address (for entities)
• Nationality or country of incorporation
• Identification number (e.g., NRIC, passport, registration number)
• Date of becoming a controller
• Nature of control (e.g., ownership of more than 25% of shares, right to appoint directors)

Q3: Who qualifies as a “registrable controller”?

• Individual or entity with more than 25% ownership or voting rights
• Those with the right to appoint or remove directors
• Persons who otherwise exercise significant influence or control over the company or LLP
• Indirect ownership through trusts, nominees, or other entities may also apply

Q4: Is the RORC public?

• No, the RORC is not publicly accessible
• It must be made available to ACRA and law enforcement agencies upon request
• Since July 2020, companies must submit RORC data to ACRA’s central platform, though it remains non-public

Q5: What are the penalties for non-compliance?

• Failure to maintain a RORC or provide accurate information may result in fines up to S$5,000 per breach
• Directors and partners may be personally liable if found negligent or non-compliant
• Entities may face additional scrutiny or restrictions when opening bank accounts or applying for licenses

Q6: How does RORC support AML/CFT compliance?

• Enhances transparency around Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO)
• Assists financial institutions and CSPs in conducting Customer Due Diligence (CDD)
• Supports regulators in identifying ownership chains and preventing abuse of legal structures