Background & Purpose

The EU Court of Justice ruled that the previous open access to the register of beneficial owners was too broad. This change is necessary to balance transparency with personal privacy while still fighting financial crime.

Proposals & Debate

The government proposed stricter rules on how different groups can access information about who actually owns or controls a company. The goal is to ensure that the register is used effectively to stop money laundering and terrorism financing without violating privacy rights.

The Decision

The parliament approved the new rules, which limit who can see information in the register and introduce new secrecy protections.

Does this affect you?

  • Business owners: They must comply with new reporting and transparency rules regarding who truly controls their companies.
  • Financial investigators: They will have specific, regulated access to the register to track potential money laundering or terrorism financing.

In Practice

  • Access to the register of beneficial owners will be restricted based on the user's category.
  • New secrecy rules will protect certain sensitive information from being public.
  • The changes will help ensure that companies are not used for illegal financial activities.
  • The new regulations enter into force on July 1, 2026, and the full EU directive must be implemented by July 2027.