The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is a supporting organisation at the UGCNS MSME Day 2026, to be held on 18 June 2026 at the SGX Auditorium in Singapore. The event is a free gathering aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and focuses on compliance, regulatory updates, and business growth.

ACRA’s participation in MSME Day is not merely ceremonial. It signals that compliance messaging — particularly around the recently commenced Corporate and Accounting Laws (Amendment) Act 2025 (CALA 2025) — is being actively reinforced to the SME community.

For Singapore company directors who cannot attend the event, this article summarises the key compliance reminders that ACRA is likely to emphasise.

MSME Day 2026: Key Details

  • Date: 18 June 2026 (Thursday)
  • Venue: SGX Auditorium, Singapore
  • Organiser: UGCNS
  • Supporting Organisation: ACRA, among others
  • Admission: Free (registration recommended)

If you have the opportunity to attend, the event is a useful way to hear directly from ACRA on its regulatory priorities for Singapore SMEs in 2026.

ACRA’s Key Compliance Focus: CALA 2025

ACRA’s presence at MSME Day is expected to reinforce its messaging around CALA 2025 compliance for SME directors. With Phase 1 commencing on 6 May 2026, the key changes are already in effect. Here is a brief compliance checklist for Singapore company directors:

Director Duties and Enhanced Penalties

Penalties for directors who breach their duties under the Companies Act have been significantly increased. Fines of up to S$20,000 and potential imprisonment for up to 12 months now apply to certain breaches. Directors who are not aware of their obligations under Sections 157 and 158 of the Companies Act should seek a governance review now.

AML Disqualification: Expanded Grounds

CALA 2025 expanded the grounds for director disqualification to include anti-money laundering (AML) failures. Directors of companies that handle client funds or operate in sectors with heightened AML risk should ensure their company’s AML controls and policies are in order.

Named Audit Partner in Audit Reports

For companies required to have a statutory audit, audit reports for financial years ending on or after 6 May 2026 must name the individual engagement partner responsible for the audit. Company secretaries and audit committees should verify this with their auditors before the next AGM.

Selective Share Buyback Approval Requirements

If your company has any contemplated selective share buyback transaction — repurchasing shares from specific shareholders — the new double-tier 75% approval requirement applies. Both a general shareholder resolution and a separate class vote are now mandatory. Review any pending transactions immediately.

The Broader Compliance Picture for Singapore SMEs

Beyond CALA 2025, Singapore SME directors should remain current on several recurring compliance obligations. Key items include:

  • Annual Return filing: Private companies must file their annual return with ACRA within seven months of financial year end. See the step-by-step annual return guide for details.
  • Corporate tax (ECI and Form C-S/C): Companies must file their Estimated Chargeable Income within three months of financial year end. Refer to the Singapore corporate tax guide for current deadlines and rates.
  • GST: Companies approaching or exceeding the S$1 million annual revenue threshold should ensure GST registration is completed before the mandatory trigger.
  • Compliance calendar: For a full overview of filing deadlines, the Singapore company compliance calendar is an essential reference.

Why ACRA’s Presence at MSME Day Matters

ACRA’s choice to be a supporting organisation at UGCNS MSME Day signals a deliberate outreach strategy to Singapore’s SME community. ACRA is not just a regulator that issues penalties — it actively promotes corporate governance education and wants SME directors to understand their obligations clearly.

The MSME Day event is part of a broader pattern in which ACRA uses public forums to reinforce messaging around major regulatory changes. Company directors who engage with these events — and who proactively update their governance frameworks — are far less likely to face compliance issues than those who wait for a notice from ACRA before acting.

For sound financial planning and business investment decisions, staying compliant with corporate governance requirements is a foundation that supports sustainable growth.

If you need legal advice on your compliance obligations as a Singapore director, we can point you in the right direction.

For the latest Singapore business news and regulatory updates, there are useful resources for directors keeping pace with ACRA’s regulatory agenda.

How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help

Raffles Corporate Services provides corporate secretarial, compliance, and governance advisory services for Singapore SMEs. Whether you need help understanding your CALA 2025 obligations, preparing for an AGM, or ensuring your annual filings are in order, our team can assist.

To speak with the team at Raffles Corporate Services, you can email [email protected] or call, SMS, or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133. We are happy to assist with any queries.

— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services