Kia ora! We’ve just returned from the Corporate Registers Forum (CRF) 2024 in Doha, Qatar, where Foster Moore had the privilege of participating in the 20th annual gathering of registry professionals from around the world. This year’s conference brought together about 185 experts, innovators, and thought leaders from across the global registry community – including Foster Moore representation from Aotearoa New Zealand, Ireland, and Jersey.
Representing Foster Moore were our seasoned leaders, John Murray and Justin Hygate, alongside one of our esteemed Strategic Advisors, Julian Lamb. Their combined expertise and industry knowledge, together with the years of experience as CRF board members, brought a powerful perspective to the conversations and collaborations that unfolded.
The agenda was packed with timely discussions, particularly around beneficial ownership, compliance, and enforcement measures, which are top priorities for registry professionals navigating today’s regulatory environment. Sessions from the Business Registry Insights team, formerly known as the International Business Registry Report, shed light on valuable trends and insights shaping the future of the industry.
A day dedicated to Beneficial Ownership
The conference agenda featured a full day dedicated to beneficial ownership – a critical topic for the future of registry solutions worldwide. Discussions centered on policy reform, innovative registry solutions, and the increasing momentum toward a standardized global approach.
In an impactful presentation, Ulf Krause from Bundesanzeiger Verlag GmbH emphasized that while registries may not directly detect financial crime, they are invaluable tools for law enforcement, offering crucial data that aids in uncovering such activities.
Stephen Abbot Pugh from Open Ownership further underscored the value of a standards-based approach by highlighting the benefits of the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard (BODS), which provides a foundation for more transparent and reliable beneficial ownership information globally.
Key Takeaways from Doha
Amongst the many inspiring sessions, speakers shared profound insights that resonated with us and inspired new ways to add value to the registry landscape. Our team highlighted a few that sparked powerful discussions:
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Chin Li Fen of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) shared how implementing AI for business name analysis enabled ACRA to reduce registration times from three days to just one – a powerful example of how innovation can drive tangible improvements in service delivery. (More information on this subject)
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Chris Taggart, founder of OpenCorporates, made a compelling statement: "Registries are the custodians of probably the single most important dataset in the world. It’s essential for commerce." This sentiment reaffirmed the importance of our work and the role registries play in underpinning transparent, trustworthy economies.
- Martin Swain, Director, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Engagement, Companies House, UK, updated delegates on the scale of the work Companies House is undertaking to implement the Economic Crimes Act changes.
Building Connections and Strengthening Relationships
The beautiful Le Royal Meridian Hotel and the hospitality of the Qatar Financial Centre set a stunning backdrop for CRF 2024. Beyond the formal sessions, the evening events provided fantastic opportunities to connect with old friends, form new partnerships, and build relationships with registry experts globally.
The conference also allowed us to further conversations with key stakeholders around the world. These interactions validated the interest and enthusiasm around our products and projects, confirming the growing demand for Foster Moore’s innovative solutions.
The Corporate Registers Forum itself
The organization and professionalism at this year’s conference were truly impressive. The team from the Qatar Financial Centre delivered a world-class event, setting a high standard for registry conferences globally.
Louise Smyth, President of the CRF and Registrar of Companies for England and Wales, announced she would be stepping down after five years of exemplary leadership. Her contributions have been invaluable in shaping the organization’s direction and impact. Special recognition also goes to Martin Fidler Jones, CRF’s General Secretary, for his unwavering dedication to growing and strengthening the CRF – his ongoing commitment continues to make a profound difference.
Looking Forward
As we return from Doha, we’re energized and inspired by the ideas shared and the possibilities on the horizon. The conversations and insights we’ve gained from CRF 2024 will undoubtedly guide our work in the months ahead as we continue to support registries worldwide in their journey toward digital transformation and operational excellence.
Thank you to the CRF and our fellow attendees for making this year’s forum a memorable experience. Here’s to many more years of collaboration, innovation, and growth in the registry world. Stay tuned as we channel the inspiration from CRF 2024 into exciting new projects and partnerships!
Would you like to connect with us and discuss the event or talk about our registry solutions?