Understanding Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is a significant entity in Singapore that oversees businesses, public accountants, and corporate service providers. It operates as a statutory board under the Ministry of Finance and plays a key role in ensuring a safe and dynamic business environment.

Established on April 1, 2004, ACRA was formed by merging the Registry of Companies and Businesses (RCB) and the Public Accountants’ Board (PAB).

 

What the ACRA Does

ACRA’s main job is maintaining a comprehensive registry of documents and information related to businesses and public accountants in Singapore. This information, available to the public, includes registration dates, business activities, office addresses, and financial snapshots of businesses. Personal information about owners, shareholders, directors, and officers is also included.

While ACRA is not governed by the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), it operates under the ACRA Act, which enables it to disclose personal data as part of its responsibilities. ACRA adheres to the rules of the Public Sector (Governance) Act and follows Government Instruction Manuals for handling data. The organization has implemented safeguards to ensure data sharing aligns with the provisions of the ACRA Act. To learn more about ACRA, you can visit their website.