As the world rapidly evolves, business and corporate registers must adapt to new challenges, emerging technologies, and growing public expectations. At Foster Moore, we believe staying ahead of these trends is critical for supporting governments and organizations in their journey toward digital transformation. Here are 12 trends to watch in 2025 that will significantly impact business and corporate registers and the broader govtech ecosystem.
Governments worldwide are doubling down on transparency by mandating real-time beneficial ownership disclosures. Enhanced Beneficial Ownership Registers (BORs) are leveraging cloud-based platforms to make ownership structures accessible and auditable. Organizations like Open Ownership are at the forefront of creating frameworks and tools to improve beneficial ownership transparency globally. This work will be highlighted at the upcoming Open Government Partnership Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting on February 5th in Manila, where governments and experts will discuss strategies to enhance transparency and accountability.
Governments must invest in scalable digital systems capable of real-time updates and ensure integration with compliance databases. This includes establishing robust audit processes to track ownership changes and prevent misuse.
As global business activities grow, the need for interconnected registers is paramount. Interoperability platforms like MetaReg™ are leading the charge, enabling seamless data exchange across corporate registers, tax authorities, and compliance agencies. Additionally, the recently enacted Interoperability Mandate in Europe is setting new standards for public services, requiring them to adopt harmonized data exchange frameworks. This policy is expected to enhance the efficiency of corporate registers and other government services by ensuring data consistency and accessibility across borders.
To prepare, governments should adopt international data exchange standards like ISO 20022 and work closely with technology providers to modernize legacy systems. Collaboration with other jurisdictions is essential to ensure effective cross-border data sharing.
Phoenixing, where companies shut down to avoid liabilities and reopen under a different identity, continues to challenge regulators. New analytical tools powered by AI and machine learning are being deployed to track suspicious patterns and flag potential phoenixing activities.
Regulators need to implement predictive analytics tools that monitor company behavior over time and cross-reference director profiles. Building partnerships with insolvency agencies can also strengthen detection efforts.
Blockchain technology is emerging as a transformative tool for creating tamper-proof records of company ownership, transactions, and compliance activities. This provides greater trust and security in data integrity.
Governments should consider pilot projects to test blockchain-based registry records, ensure regulatory alignment, and collaborate with industry experts to assess the scalability of blockchain solutions. Additionally, Digital Asset Registers (DARs) can play a key role in managing blockchain-based records securely and efficiently. Learn more in our white paper on Digital Asset Registers.
Identity fraud remains a major concern for business registers. Advanced identity verification technologies, including biometrics and decentralized identity systems, are enhancing security and streamlining user onboarding.
Governments need to deploy biometric verification technologies and explore decentralized identity frameworks to authenticate users while maintaining privacy standards. Public awareness campaigns about secure verification processes can also help. For more insights, read our white paper on how digital IDs are revolutionizing online interactions.
The rising threat of cyberattacks targeting sensitive registry data is prompting significant investment in cybersecurity infrastructure. In 2025, innovative solutions such as zero-trust architectures and AI-driven threat detection systems are being implemented worldwide. For example, Estonia is leading the way with its blockchain-backed cybersecurity framework, while Singapore has deployed real-time monitoring systems that leverage machine learning to identify and neutralize threats before they escalate.
However, many jurisdictions are grappling with the challenge of balancing robust cybersecurity measures with transparency requirements. This balancing act will be a key area to watch as governments refine their cybersecurity strategies for registers.
Public demand for open access to company data is reshaping how registers operate. Some jurisdictions are adopting open data policies to make non-sensitive corporate information freely accessible, while others have found ways to enable transparency while safeguarding privacy. For instance, Estonia’s e-Government model integrates advanced encryption to anonymize data, while Germany ensures stringent compliance with GDPR when sharing corporate information.
Governments must strike a balance between transparency and privacy by investing in advanced anonymization techniques and governance frameworks. How jurisdictions like the US and Australia address this challenge will set precedents for other countries aiming to maintain both transparency and privacy in their registers.
With 29 countries now mandating some level of ESG reporting, including the UK, Malaysia, and Singapore, corporate registers are playing a critical role in facilitating compliance. Policies range from climate-related financial disclosures in the UK to diversity and equity requirements in Malaysia. Many governments are also introducing green business incentives, such as tax breaks for sustainable practices, while investors increasingly prioritize companies with robust ESG credentials. For more, read our white paper on the global state of ESG disclosures.
With the rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, corporate registers are becoming critical enablers of ESG compliance reporting. Governments are starting to require companies to disclose ESG metrics within public registers.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the company registration landscape by enhancing both efficiency and compliance. In 2025, AI-driven tools are helping businesses navigate regulatory requirements more easily and automating many aspects of the registration process.
Governments should implement AI solutions to streamline compliance and registration. For instance, AI systems can automate risk assessments by flagging prior violations or financial instability, while compliance chatbots guide entrepreneurs through complex regulatory processes. Real-time monitoring of regulatory changes using AI can also help governments keep up with jurisdiction-specific requirements and reduce resource burdens.
Fraud prevention is becoming a top priority as registers face increasing challenges related to identity theft, fake company formations, and financial crime. Advanced fraud detection systems are leveraging AI and real-time monitoring to combat these issues.
Governments should implement fraud detection systems that utilize AI to detect unusual patterns and anomalies in registration data, such as mismatched documents or inconsistencies in application histories. These systems can also identify false submissions and falsified documents by cross-referencing external databases and analyzing submission trends. Creating protocols for swift response to flagged cases and maintaining partnerships with compliance organizations for shared intelligence further strengthens fraud prevention efforts.
Interoperability between registries is no longer a future goal; it is a present need. MetaReg™ is redefining registry connectivity by providing a platform that enables registry operators worldwide to securely share and exchange data.
Governments should evaluate their current systems to ensure compatibility with MetaReg™, invest in integration projects, and engage in international dialogues to encourage broad adoption of interoperability frameworks. Learn more about interoperability and data exchange in our white paper on enabling digital government.
As remote work becomes the norm, there is a rising trend toward digital nomad-friendly registration options. Many countries are now offering unique registration packages that cater to entrepreneurs and freelancers who work remotely and move frequently. Currently, 41 countries offer such options, with examples like Norway providing up to 2-year registration, Mauritius offering it for free, and New Zealand working on making it available for overseas workers.
Governments should design registration processes that cater to international freelancers by simplifying documentation requirements, offering flexible timelines, and providing low-cost or no-cost options to attract global talent. For a detailed list of countries offering digital nomad visas, visit Planet Nomad.
The trends above highlight the immense potential for innovation in corporate registers and related government technologies. From blockchain to AI and interoperability, these advancements are paving the way for more secure, transparent, and efficient registry systems. At Foster Moore, we are committed to helping governments embrace these changes with confidence.
Want to explore how these trends can shape your registry's future? Reach out to our team today to discuss innovative solutions tailored to your needs!