Singapore is a model automated-KYB market. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) maintains a comprehensive, digitally accessible registry through BizFile, and companies are identified by their UEN (Unique Entity Number). Beneficial ownership is captured through the register of registrable controllers, and Singapore's role as a regional hub means clean cross-border structures are common.
Business verification (KYB)
First Mile Labs retrieves the ACRA record by UEN — entity status, registered address, directors, company secretary, and shareholders — and establishes beneficial ownership from the register of registrable controllers. The structured BizFile data is reconciled against the application form, and ownership chains through regional holding companies are followed where the data allows.
Identity verification (IDV)
Singapore directors and beneficial owners are verified using the NRIC (for citizens and permanent residents) or passport, with document authentication, liveness, and face-match. Foreign nationals operating in Singapore are verified via their FIN and passport, and Singpass-based verification is used where available.
Sanctions, PEP & adverse media (AML)
Singapore entities and individuals are screened against the MAS-administered regime, UN, OFAC, and further watchlists, with PEP and adverse-media checks running continuously. Singapore's status as a financial hub makes rigorous PEP screening especially important.
From our compliance team
Singapore is a pleasure to verify and exactly therefore a place to stay alert. The data is so clean that teams relax, but Singapore is also a favoured holding location for structures whose substance sits elsewhere in the region. We use the excellent ACRA data as the foundation and pay particular attention to where the controlling interest actually resides versus where the company is registered.
Singapore onboarding — FAQ
What is the UEN?
The Unique Entity Number is the single identifier for a registered entity in Singapore. First Mile Labs uses it to retrieve the structured ACRA/BizFile record — status, directors, secretary, and shareholders.
How is Singapore beneficial ownership established?
Through the register of registrable controllers, reconciled against the shareholder and director data and the applicant's declaration, with regional holding chains followed where the data allows.
Which identity documents are used in Singapore?
The NRIC for citizens and permanent residents, the passport, or the FIN for foreign nationals — each authenticated and face-matched, with Singpass-based verification used where available.
Coverage in other markets
Onboarding customers in Singapore?
Book a demo and we'll walk you through a full Singapore case — registry, identity, screening, and decision.
Request a demo →