APAC Corporate secretarial newsletter 2026 issue 1
As businesses expand their operations into new countries, it brings a wealth of opportunities but also creates compliance risks.
With its economies driving global growth, Asia Pacific (APAC) is an attractive region for multinational corporations seeking expansion. Each jurisdiction in the region has its own rules and regulations, making compliance a significant challenge for businesses of all sizes. To minimise these challenges, our APAC corporate secretarial newsletter provides information on how to ensure compliance on an international scale and gives businesses a comprehensive understanding into the business landscape across APAC.
With its economies driving global growth, Asia Pacific (APAC) is an attractive region for multinational corporations seeking expansion. Each jurisdiction in the region has its own rules and regulations, making compliance a significant challenge for businesses of all sizes. To minimise these challenges, our APAC corporate secretarial newsletter provides information on how to ensure compliance on an international scale and gives businesses a comprehensive understanding into the business landscape across APAC.
Key highlights:
Australia
- Important ASIC update for Directors: Changes to residential address for public records
- Changes to Australia’s AML/CTF legislation
China
- Foreigners in seven Chinese provinces and municipalities can now complete accommodation registration online
- Foreign employees in Shanghai - quick guide to China permanent residence ID (Five-Star card)
Hong Kong
- Voluntary Liquidation Vs. Deregistration of Hong Kong Company
India
- MCA replaces Annual Director KYC with Triennial KYC which shall come into force on 31 March 2026
Indonesia
- Two major compliance reforms – understanding Indonesia’s new annual filing compliance and the implementation of new business classification code
Malaysia
- New Corporate Registry System (CRS)
Taiwan
- Mandatory labour rights training for newly established entities in Taiwan
Thailand
- Thailand’s DBD cracks down on nominees and “mule” accounts with strict new registration rules
- Proposed amendments to the Foreign Business Act: Enhancing clarity, reducing regulatory burden, and promoting foreign investment in Thailand
Want to know more?
Sim Yee Yap Head, Outsourcing - Kuala Lumpur
