You would expect that a social enterprise with a mission to achieve effective corporate transparency would have a corporate transparency FAQ, so here it is.
What is the definition of corporate transparency?
Corporate transparency describes the extent to which a corporation's actions are observable by outsiders. This is a consequence of regulation, local norms, and the set of information, privacy, and business policies concerning corporate decision-making and operations openness to employees, stakeholders, shareholders and the general public. From the perspective of outsiders, transparency can be defined simply as the perceived quality of intentionally shared information from the corporation.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_transparency
What is radical transparency?
Radical transparency is a phrase used across fields of governance, politics, software design and business to describe actions and approaches that radically increase the openness of organizational process and data. Its usage was originally understood as an approach or act that uses abundant networked information to access previously confidential organizational process or outcome data.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_transparency
What is the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill?
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill is proposed legislation in the UK aimed at addressing economic crime, enhancing corporate transparency, and strengthening measures to combat money laundering and illicit financial activities.
Why is the UK Government introducing this bill?
The bill is being introduced to protect the UK's national security, crack down on economic crime, and improve transparency within the corporate sector. It is also intended to prevent misuse of the UK's financial system by criminals and to meet international standards.
How will the bill impact companies of different sizes?
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill will have implications for companies of different sizes in the UK in the context of corporate transparency. The specific impact on each company will depend on its size, structure, and business activities. Here's how the policy may affect companies of different sizes:
It's important to note that the bill is designed to target economic crime, money laundering, and illicit financial activities while also enhancing the overall transparency of UK companies. The impact on each company will depend on its specific circumstances and compliance readiness. Many companies may need to review and update their internal processes and governance structures to ensure they meet the new requirements. Consulting legal and financial advisors may be beneficial for companies seeking to navigate these changes effectively.
Large Corporations:
Increased Compliance Requirements: Large corporations may face heightened compliance requirements, especially in terms of identity verification for company directors and individuals with significant control. They may need to invest in enhanced systems and processes to meet these obligations.
Greater Scrutiny: Companies House will have more powers to oversee and verify the data provided by large corporations. This means that large companies will face greater scrutiny, and any discrepancies or irregularities in their filings may result in regulatory actions.
Enhanced Reporting: These companies will need to ensure that their financial information is accurate and up to date on the Companies House register. This could lead to increased reporting and record-keeping obligations.
Transparency Improvements: Large corporations with complex ownership structures may need to provide more comprehensive information about their beneficial owners and corporate structures to ensure compliance with the new transparency requirements.
Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs):
Moderate Compliance Impact: SMEs may also need to comply with the identity verification requirements, but the impact may be more manageable compared to large corporations.
Streamlined Reporting: SMEs with simpler ownership structures may find it easier to comply with the new reporting requirements. They may have fewer individuals with significant control to identify and verify.
Enhanced Transparency: SMEs will still be expected to maintain transparency regarding their ownership and financial information, but the administrative burden may be less compared to larger companies.
Small Businesses and Startups:
Minimal Impact: Smaller businesses and startups may have fewer compliance requirements under the new legislation, especially if they have straightforward ownership structures.
Reduced Administrative Burden: The bill aims to balance transparency with a practical approach for small businesses, so they are not overwhelmed by compliance obligations.
Access to Reliable Data: Small businesses may benefit from improved accuracy and reliability of data on Companies House, which can aid in building trust with customers, suppliers, and investors.
What are the key reforms proposed in the bill?
The bill includes several key reforms, including:
- Identity verification for company directors and significant control individuals.
- Empowering Companies House to oversee and verify company data.
- Improving the accuracy and reliability of financial information on the register.
- Strengthening investigation and enforcement powers for Companies House.
- Addressing the misuse of limited partnerships.
- Providing law enforcement with powers to seize and recover cryptoassets associated with criminal activities.
- Strengthening anti-money laundering powers and enabling better information sharing.
How will the bill enhance corporate transparency?
The bill aims to enhance corporate transparency by ensuring that accurate and up-to-date information about companies and their ownership structures is available on the Companies House register. This transparency is intended to help prevent fraud and money laundering while supporting legitimate business activities.
When will the proposed legislation take effect?
The exact timeline for the bill's implementation is subject to parliamentary processes. Companies will be given a reasonable period to adjust to the new requirements once the legislation is passed. You can check the progress of the Bill via the parliament.uk page for the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill.
Will the bill apply to foreign companies operating in the UK?
Yes, the bill is expected to apply to both UK-based and foreign companies that conduct business within the UK and are subject to UK regulations.
Will the bill impact my personal information if I'm involved with a company?
The bill includes provisions to protect personal information provided to Companies House from fraud and other harms. It focuses on improving the accuracy and security of data rather than compromising personal information.
How can my company prepare for these changes?
Companies should stay informed about the bill's progress, assess their current compliance processes, and be prepared to make necessary adjustments to meet the new requirements once the legislation is enacted. Seeking guidance from legal and financial advisors may be helpful.
TISCreport members can also keep an eye on our newsletter and alerts for updates on the progress of the bill.
Does GDPR conflict with efforts to achieve corporate transparency?
No. GDPR relates to personal data rather than corporate data. Additionally, personal data about directors is exempted as explained below.
Director Identities on Companies House
Here is a helpful explanation from Digital Content Manager of Companies House, Jonathan Moyle:
"Under section 163 of the Companies Act 2006, a director must register their date of birth (plus other details) when they're appointed. The company must then send this information to Companies House under section 167.
We have a duty to register this information and make it available to the public. For directors appointed after 10 October 2015, only the month and year from their date of birth will be publicly available.
The GDPR allows an exemption under Schedule 2, Part 1 (5) of the Data Protection Act 2018. This exemption applies to Companies House because we must make information about registered companies available to the public under the Companies Act 2006."
Source: https://companieshouse.blog.gov.uk/2019/06/11/how-were-reforming-the-com...
What is the TISCreport Corporate Transparency Pledge?
The TISCreport Corporate Transparency pledge is designed to be an easy one to commit to for corporate officers seeking to drive transparency through their organisationsm, no matter where on the journey they are.
"I pledge to champion transparency within our organisation, uniting with the corporate transparency movement to strengthen trust and collective action for our planet and its people."
