Anguilla requires all Business Companies to maintain a beneficial ownership register and to notify the AFSC of any changes to that register. The Anguilla Financial Services Commission has published updated guidance in 2025 that clarifies several aspects of the BO register regime — including who qualifies as a registrable beneficial owner, the timeline for notifying AFSC of changes, the required filing format, and the specific responsibilities of registered agents.
What the Updated Guidance Covers
The updated AFSC guidance provides clearer rules on four points that had generated practical uncertainty.
The threshold and qualifying criteria for a registrable beneficial owner are now explicitly set out in the guidance. Entities should verify that their BO register reflects the correct individuals based on the updated qualifying criteria, not just the thresholds that applied under earlier guidance.
The notification timeline for changes to beneficial ownership is specified. Changes must be notified to AFSC within a defined period after the change occurs. The obligation falls on the company, with the registered agent responsible for filing the notification on the company's behalf.
The filing format requirements are clarified. BO information must be submitted in the prescribed format — informal submissions or legacy formats that do not meet the current specifications are no longer acceptable.
The registered agent's role is explicitly confirmed: registered agents are responsible for filing BO information on behalf of the companies they serve, and AFSC holds registered agents accountable for the completeness and accuracy of those filings.
Why This Matters Now
AFSC has indicated that BO register accuracy is a key focus of its current compliance inspection programme. Inspections of corporate service providers and registered agents will examine whether BO registers are accurate, up to date, and whether all changes have been notified to AFSC within the required timeline. Non-compliance in this area carries a direct inspection risk.
What To Do Now
If you hold a Business Company registered in Anguilla, confirm with your registered agent that your BO register is accurate, up to date, and that all changes have been notified to AFSC within the required timeframe. If you are a registered agent, audit your clients' BO registers against the updated guidance criteria and ensure your filing processes meet the current format requirements.