By Philip Hayden, 5 April 2019 (Updated 25th June 2019)
Following months of delay, the Minister for Finance has signed the Statutory Instrument to put the Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO) in place. This instrument provides for the appointment of a Registrar to administer the new RBO which will require detailed information submitted on any shareholder holding 25% or more in a private company, trust, industrial and provident society or other applicable entity.
New Legislation Implemented
The new EU (Anti-Money Laundering: Beneficial Ownership of Corporate Entities) Regulations 2019 has made small but significant changes to the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership. The first key element is the long-awaited implementation and finalisation date:
- 22nd June 2019 filing gateway open (Temporarily postponed)
- 5-month transition period
- Closing date of 22nd November 2019 to file
Since the implementation of the 4th AML directive, companies have been required to maintain their beneficial ownership register internally. As such, once the requirement formally kicks in, the company will simply submit the RBO electronically. The 5-month transition period will apply to all currently incorporated applicable entities, with newly incorporated entities having a 5-month period within which to file the same information.
Who can access the beneficial ownership register?
The new legislation also clarifies who can access the information held on the register and under what circumstances. An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners, the Criminal Assets Bureau and other competent authorities in Ireland or within the EU will have unrestricted access to the information.
Restricted access will be available to designated persons who will be given permission to view a certain level of information based on a business transaction or relationship.
Keeping up to date
In line with the above, information held on the RBO should be maintained as alterations to the company structure is made. The company should mirror any changes made to the company, with the onus being on the company to ensure the information is correct. Fines for not submitting and/or maintaining the beneficial ownership register for their company can be as much as €500,000 following summary conviction.
What needs to be included?
Laid out in the 4th AML Directive, each company is required to supply all of the below for each beneficial owner:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Residence
- Nature and Extent of Control
In addition, the new legislation has added the PPS number of the beneficial owner where applicable. That is to say, if the owner is not required to have one in place, the requirement to list one is not in force. However, where a beneficial owner has a PPS number it should be listed. The registrar shall not disclose the PPS number of an owner.
To find out more about the requirements under the new EU (Anti-Money Laundering: Beneficial Ownership of Corporate Entities) Regulations 2019 or what the Register of Beneficial Ownership means for your company, don’t hesitate to contact the Company Secretarial team on cosec@companybureau.ie or call the office on 01-6461625.
Dates and requirements to be aware of:
Date | Action |
---|---|
Current | Irish companies and relevant entities must create and maintain an Internal Register of Beneficial Owners |
22nd June 2019
(Temporarily postponed) |
The Central Register of Beneficial Owners online portal will begin accepting fillings |
22nd November 2019 | Deadline for relevant entities to file their Beneficial Ownership information |
10th March 2021 | Deadline for EU Member States to share access and connect their Beneficial Ownership Registers |
Ongoing | Irish Companies and relevant entities must file any Beneficial Ownership changes with the Central Register within 14 days of the change |
Ongoing | Newly incorporated companies must file their Beneficial Ownership information with the Central Register within 5 months |
Disclaimer This article is for guidance purposes only. It does not constitute legal or professional advice. No liability is accepted by Company Bureau for any action taken or not taken in reliance on the information set out in this article. Professional or legal advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any action as a result of this article. Any and all information is subject to change.