In this course · 6 of 7
Course 5
Keep your registers
7 lessons · 8 min
- 1Hong Kong Registered Office: Rules and How to Change Address
- 2Which statutory registers and records must a Hong Kong company keep?
- 3Must a Hong Kong Private Company Hold an AGM?
- 4Written Resolutions in Hong Kong and How to Dispense With AGMs
- 5Significant Controllers Register in Hong Kong: Who Must Keep One?
- 6Designated Representative (SCR) in Hong Kong: Who Can Be One?
- 7Hong Kong Significant Controllers Register: Public? Penalties?
The short answer
A designated representative is the person a Hong Kong company appoints to give law enforcement officers information about its Significant Controllers Register. It must be an individual shareholder, director or employee resident in Hong Kong, or an accounting professional, legal professional or licensed Trust or Company Service Provider.
Role The company must have at least one designated representative, who is the contact for providing information and assistance to Hong Kong law enforcement officers about the register.
Who can be appointed
- An individual who is a shareholder, director or employee of the company and who is resident in Hong Kong; or
- An accounting professional, a legal professional, or a licensed trust or company service provider.
A significant controller can also serve if they satisfy the conditions above.
Practical points
- Choose someone who can respond quickly and who understands the company's ownership.
- Record the representative's details and keep them current.
- If the person leaves the company or moves away from Hong Kong, appoint a replacement.
- An outsourced professional should have a written engagement, with clear access to the company's records.
Where the register is kept and who may inspect it are covered under the public-access and penalties rules for the register.
Legal basis and sources
The law
- Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), Part 12, Division 2A (significant controllers register)
General information for business owners, not legal, tax or professional advice. Rules change, so check the sources or ask a licensed professional before you act.
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