How to check a corporate service provider

Last checked: 2026-11-01

The rule

The Corporate Service Providers Act 2024 took effect on 9 June 2025. Registered CSPs must comply with the Act, follow AML/CFT guidelines, renew registration every two years, and can be subject to ACRA compliance reviews. If registration expires and is not renewed, the CSP cannot file transactions for clients. (ACRA CSP overview)

Foreigners must use a CSP to reserve a name and register a company. (ACRA requirements)

Check on Bizfile (5 minutes)

1. Get the provider's legal name and UEN from its website footer, terms or invoice. (Brand names differ from legal names, e.g. Sleek's site states "Sleek Tech Pte Ltd".)
2. Go to Bizfile and use entity search for that name or UEN. Confirm the entity is live.
3. ACRA says Bizfile's entity search and people search show whether a CSP or registered qualified individual (RQI) is registered (ACRA CSP overview). Look for a valid status, not "Registration expired and has not been renewed".
4. If the provider quotes a CSP/filing agent number (Sleek's site, for example, states FA20170342), match it.
5. Optional: check whether the named secretary appears in the CSIS practising chartered secretaries directory. Not being listed is not a breach, but listing shows professional membership.

Red flags

• Can't or won't give a legal entity name, UEN or CSP registration.
• Bizfile shows the entity as struck off, or CSP registration expired.
• Headline price with no list of what costs extra (changes of officers, share transfers, strike-off). Compare with providers that publish these, e.g. 3E Accounting's list or Osome's add-ons.
• Nominee director offered with no KYC on you, or no written agreement.
• Nominee deposit or term not stated in writing before you pay.
• Pressure to pay before you see the scope and the second-year renewal price.

Questions to ask

• What is your legal entity name, UEN and CSP registration?
• Does the price include ACRA fees (S$315 incorporation, S$60 annual return) and GST?
• What does year two cost?
• What do routine changes cost?
• For nominee directors: how long, what deposit, and how do I end it?