Bizfile Update Shares Information: Which Transaction to Use for Allotments, Transfers, Conversions and Redemptions

Short answer: Open the Update shares information eService in Bizfile and pick the transaction that matches the event: return of allotment for new shares, transfer of shares for a change of owner, conversion of shares for a change of class, and notice of redemption for redeemable preference shares. Check the constitution and approvals first.

The Bizfile update shares information menu offers several similar-looking transactions, and choosing the wrong one means a filing that has to be corrected afterwards. This guide maps each corporate action to the correct ACRA transaction, sets out what each one needs before you click Start, and explains what to do if a filing goes in wrongly.

Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of experienced Singapore law firms who offer cost-effective and efficient legal service and advice. This article is general information only and is not legal advice.

What is the Bizfile update shares information eService?

It is the Bizfile eService local companies use to tell ACRA about changes to their shares and share capital. Company officers such as a director or company secretary can file directly, and a corporate service provider (CSP) can file for you.

ACRA’s overview of share transactions groups the filings into three buckets: allotting new shares, managing existing shares (transfer, paid-up capital update, conversion, redenomination) and managing share capital (alteration, buyback, treasury shares, redemption, financial assistance, reduction). You log in to Bizfile as a business user through Corppass, check that the correct entity appears in the top menu bar, then choose the transaction from the dropdown on the Update shares information page.

ACRA warns that share transactions are complex and errors can be costly, and suggests asking a CSP if you are unsure. That is sensible advice, because most of the choices below cannot be undone with a single click.

Which Bizfile transaction matches each share event?

Match the event to the transaction by asking what has actually changed: the number of shares, who owns them, the class, or the amount paid. The table below uses the names ACRA uses in its guides.

Other events have their own ACRA pages: redenomination of shares (changing the currency), share buybacks, treasury share cancellation or disposal, financial assistance for share purchases, and reduction of share capital. Our guides on reducing share capital and redeemable preference shares cover the two most common of these.

How do you file an allotment, transfer, conversion or redemption?

The login steps are the same for every transaction, and only the data screens differ. Start with the common route, then follow the transaction-specific notes below.

1. Log in to Bizfile as a business user through Corppass. CSPs switch to the Corporate Service Provider profile and select the firm.
2. Confirm the entity shown on the top menu bar and dashboard is the right company.
3. Open Update shares information and select the transaction from the dropdown, then click Start (or continue an existing draft).
4. Enter the details, review the summary, tick the declaration and submit.
5. Keep the Bizfile notification that confirms the update, and check that the register of members now shows the change.

On the transaction-specific screens, ACRA’s guides describe the following.

For a return of allotment, you state whether the section 161 resolution is already filed (or upload it with the meeting date), choose the currency and how the shares are payable, add any new shareholders, then enter each shareholder’s allotment. The total paid-up capital for each class and currency must equal the amount allotted across all shareholders and groups. Private companies must list all shareholders; public companies not listed on the Singapore Exchange list the 50 members with the most shares. Our director’s guide to allotting shares covers the corporate steps before the filing.

For a transfer of shares, you add any new shareholder (full name, identification number, nationality, contact address and shareholding), then select the transferor and transferee and enter the currency, class, number of shares and paid-up amount. You can only transfer up to the transferor’s current holding. Each transfer between the same two people is entered separately, so two tranches of 100 shares in January and March are two entries. A proper instrument of transfer must exist, and our guide to stamp duty on share transfers deals with the stamping side separately.

For a conversion of shares, ordinary shares can typically become alphabet classes (A, B and C shares) or certain preference or redeemable shares. Non-redeemable preference shares cannot be converted into redeemable preference shares. If the constitution does not allow conversion, pass a special resolution and file it through the Notice of Resolution eService first.

For a notice of redemption, the shares must be fully paid up and the constitution must set the redemption terms. If the redemption is paid out of the company’s capital rather than a new issue made for the purpose, all directors make a solvency statement and a copy is filed with ACRA.

When does the change take effect, and what does it cost?

For a private company, an allotment or transfer takes effect only when ACRA updates the electronic register of members on filing, so the date of filing is the effective date. ACRA lists the fee for the allotment, conversion, redemption, alteration and paid-up capital filings as free, with immediate approval.

That has practical consequences. ACRA says allotment and transfer dates cannot be backdated, which means an agreement signed in October but filed in November will not show the buyer on the register from October. A transfer must also be filed within 14 days. Plan the completion date, the share certificate and any bank or investor condition around the filing date, not the signing date.

ACRA’s transfer page does not state a fee, so confirm the current position in Bizfile before telling a client it is free. Stamp duty, where payable, is a separate matter from the ACRA filing.

What does this eService not cover?

It does not cover changes to a shareholder’s personal particulars, which are not share transactions. Raffles Corporate Services explains the routing for those in its note on updating shareholder information with ACRA, and its guide to filing a share transfer with ACRA gives a second walk-through of the transfer screens.

ACRA also treats checking who your shareholders are as a separate task: you can view the shareholder information after logging in to Bizfile, or download a free copy of the Register of Members. Our explainer on what the register of members is shows what to look for after you file.

What goes wrong, and how do you fix a wrong filing?

The usual causes are choosing the wrong transaction, filing before the approvals are in place, and entering paid-up amounts that do not match the transferor’s holding or the class total. Fixing it depends on what the error is.

• Allotment filed without the section 161 resolution: upload the general meeting resolution in the allotment steps or file it first.
• Conversion attempted when the constitution does not allow it: pass and file the special resolution before the conversion.
• Shares not fully paid when a transfer or redemption is planned: ACRA’s guides require fully paid shares for both, so update the paid-up amount first.
• Wrong entity selected or typing errors: try a Notice of Error. ACRA says that if a Notice of Error cannot resolve the mistake, you may need a court order to amend it.

Our short guide to notices of error with ACRA explains which mistakes qualify. If a court order turns out to be needed, our panel law firms can advise on that application.

Frequently asked questions

Is there one Bizfile form for all share changes?

There is one eService, Update shares information, but each event has its own transaction. ACRA’s guides name Return of Allotment of shares, Transfer of shares, conversion of shares, notice of redemption, notice of alteration in share capital and notice to update paid-up share capital as separate options.

Can I backdate a share transfer or allotment on Bizfile?

Not for a private company. ACRA says the transfer or allotment takes effect once the electronic register of members is updated on filing, so backdating is generally not allowed. Transfers must also be filed within 14 days.

Does converting ordinary shares to preference shares need a resolution?

Only if the constitution does not already allow conversion. If it does not, a special resolution (at least 75% approval) is passed at a general meeting and filed through the Notice of Resolution eService before the conversion is filed.

What is the difference between a conversion and an alteration in share capital?

A conversion changes existing shares into another class. An alteration changes the capital structure for commercial reasons, such as splitting or consolidating shares, converting shares to stock or cancelling unissued shares, and needs general meeting approval under section 71.

Can a CSP file these for me?

Yes. ACRA says company officers can file directly or a CSP can file on the company’s behalf. Give the CSP the signed instrument of transfer, resolutions and shareholder particulars so the filing matches your records.

Last reviewed: 6 November 2026. The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services.