Corporate filings may seem like routine paperwork, but for law firms and in-house counsel they underpin compliance, governance, and deal execution. Around the world, business registries are modernizing in ways that affect how lawyers advise clients. Several international best practices are especially relevant for U.S. practitioners.
The Digital Shift
Globally, registries are moving wholly online. In New Zealand, company incorporations and annual returns are processed almost instantly, with intuitive public search tools. Estonia embeds digital ID into filings, allowing directors to approve changes remotely.
The takeaway: clients expect filings to be fast and accessible. Firms relying on slower, paper-heavy processes risk being left behind.
Beneficial Ownership Transparency
The U.S. Corporate Transparency Act has put beneficial ownership disclosure in the spotlight, but the trend is global. The UK’s Persons of Significant Control Register and EU debates over public access highlight a clear direction: greater scrutiny of company ownership. Coupled with this is the increasing requirement for identity verification of corporation officers and intermediaries.
US Corporate transparency requirements have shifted significantly in the past twelve months. Although the CTA currently is not being actively enforced against U.S. companies, a number of U.S. states are already moving ahead with their own corporate transparency laws. For example, New York has legislated its own disclosure-regime for beneficial ownership, and other states, including California and possibly Illinois, are speculating on similar regimes. While the federal future of the CTA remains uncertain, these state-led initiatives suggest that the momentum toward greater corporate ownership disclosure continues unabated.
Counsel should prepare clients for expanding obligations and ensure ownership structures are ready for future disclosure regimes.
Automation and Straight-Through Incorporation
Some jurisdictions are cutting red tape with automation. Singapore enables near-instant company formation through automated name and ID checks. Denmark integrates tax and company filings in a single streamlined process.
This speeds transactions but reduces room for error. For law firms, it means more emphasis on getting filings right the first time.
Registry Interoperability
As businesses expand globally, seamless access to accurate company information is becoming essential. Some jurisdictions are leading the way with interoperable registry systems. The European Business Register, for example, connects multiple national databases, enabling standardized company data to flow across borders.
For law firms and in-house counsel, interoperability means faster due diligence, fewer inconsistencies, and a clearer view of corporate structures. Without it, practitioners are left reconciling fragmented filings from different jurisdictions. As more regions pursue harmonized systems, counsel should anticipate growing client expectations for unified, reliable registry data, no matter where the company is incorporated.
What This Means for U.S. Counsel
Faster filings, greater transparency, and cross-border interoperability are reshaping expectations. Even if U.S. registries evolve more slowly, clients exposed to global practices will expect the same efficiency and foresight. Partnering with trusted providers such as Capitol Services ensures filings remain compliant and timely. Organizations like Capitol Services remove the worry for counsel by acting as trusted intermediaries with state and international registries. They stay on top of processes, rules, and compliance requirements, so attorneys and in-house teams can focus on advising clients with confidence, rather than navigating administrative complexity and the ever evolving modernization of these registries.
Conclusion
Registries may seem like background infrastructure, but they are becoming central to compliance and governance. By watching best practices abroad, U.S. counsel can anticipate change and position themselves as trusted navigators in a more digital, transparent, and interconnected corporate world.
About the Author
Justin Hygate has been at the forefront of business registry development for more than two decades, shaping modern approaches to corporate governance and cross-border registration systems. Since 2000, he has regularly engaged with U.S. registries, building long-standing relationships and sharing international perspectives to strengthen registry practice.
He served as Chair of the International Relations Section of the International Association of Commercial Administrators (IACA), where he led global engagement and collaboration between jurisdictions. In addition, Justin contributes his expertise through other international organizations focused on registry innovation, interoperability, and regulatory alignment.
Recognised for his leadership in driving forward global dialogue on business registries, Justin continues to champion initiatives that improve access, consistency, and cooperation across borders. In 2025, he was honoured with the Corporate Registers Forum (CRF) Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the global registry community.