It’s not just a beneficial idea to hire a qualified company secretary in Singapore; it’s the law. Section 171 of the Companies Act says that every company must hire a corporate secretary who lives in the area within six months of starting up. A good corporate secretarial firm does more than just follow the rules. They are a strategic partner who makes sure your business meets deadlines, keeps accurate records and easily handles complicated governance requirements.
In Singapore, there are many different kinds of corporate secretarial services. Some are run by global leaders with decades of experience, while others are digital-first platforms made for business owners today. This list shows five of the best corporate secretarial firms in Singapore based on their reputation in the market, their regulatory standing, the range of services they offer and how well they meet the needs of different businesses.
How we selected the top corporate secretarial firms
This list is based on things that are crucial for businesses in Singapore. People looked at how well-known and respected a company was in the local market, whether it was a Registered Filing Agent (RFA) with ACRA, the range and depth of corporate secretarial services it offered, how clear its pricing was and whether it was a good fit for different types of businesses (startups, SMEs and multinationals). This ranking is not an official ranking; it’s a list of companies that have been carefully chosen to help business owners find the right corporate secretarial partner.
List of top 5 corporate secretarial firms in Singapore
- BoardRoom
- Rikvin (Part of In.Corp Global)
- Sleek
- HeySara
- Hawksford
Closer look at each corporate secretarial firm
1. BoardRoom
BoardRoom is a well-known and trusted name in business services in Singapore. For more than 50 years, they have helped more than 7,300 clients in the Asia-Pacific region. BoardRoom is a registered filing agent with ACRA. Its team includes Chartered Secretaries (ICSA/CGI) and Chartered Accountants. Their expertise means that clients can get professional help with a lot of hard problems, like IPOs, following international laws and running a business across borders.
Key corporate secretarial services
- Full support for AGMs and EGMs, including planning and organizing
- Changes to the name and structure of a business
- Handling of share allocations and transfers
- Keeping up with legal records and meeting minutes
- Filing your yearly return and making sure you follow the rules
- Help with filing financial and XBRL reports
Notable strengths or differentiators
- Half-century track record: More than 50 years of continuous operation shows that the system is very stable and reliable.
- Regional footprint: BoardRoom is a fantastic choice for businesses that want to grow in Asia-Pacific or already do business there because they know the area well.
- Professional credentials: The staff includes qualified chartered secretaries and accountants, so you can be sure that the advice is sound.
- Reasonable prices: Even though the company has a lot of experience, clients say that the services are reasonably priced given the level of expertise they offer.
- Registered Filing Agent: ACRA-regulated status gives you the power to file and makes you responsible for your actions.
Ideal client type
Established companies, multinational corporations and businesses preparing for IPOs or operating across multiple jurisdictions are ideal client types. These clients are particularly suitable for organizations that require deep technical expertise and support for regional governance.
Contact information
- Website: www.boardroomlimited.com
2. Rikvin (Part of In.Corp Global)
Since 1998, Rikvin has been a part of Singapore’s business services scene. In.Corp Global now owns Rikvin, making it one of the biggest corporate service providers in the Asia-Pacific region. Rikvin has been around for decades and has helped more than 15,000 clients in the area, working with more than 1,000 professionals. People know the company for helping foreign business owners and it makes it easy to get a visa, start a business and apply for an Employment Pass all at the same time.
Key corporate secretarial services
- Sending ACRA an annual return
- Creating documents for the annual general meeting and board decisions
- Keeping up with legal records
- Share distribution, business transfer and business restructuring
- Checking compliance all the time
- Integration with immigration services for founders from abroad
Notable strengths or differentiators
- Dual expertise: Excellent at both corporate secretarial compliance and immigration services, making it easy for foreign entrepreneurs to do business.
- Long-standing reputation: They have been in business since 1998 and have a long history of getting visas and starting businesses.
- On a regional scale, you can use In.Corp Global’s large network and resources in your area.
- Customer feedback: Customers always say that the team is “patient, approachable and genuinely helpful” and that their advice is “very professional.”
- Registered Filing Agent: ACRA is in charge of them and gives them full power to file.
Ideal client type
We provide integrated corporate secretarial and immigration support to foreign entrepreneurs and investors setting up in Singapore. This service is also ideal for mid-sized companies looking for a reliable partner with a regional presence.
Contact information
- Website: www.rikvin.com
3. Sleek
In 2017, business owners in Singapore launched Sleek, a tech-enabled platform for business services. Sleek has more than 15,000 active customers all over the world. It combines automation with human expertise to make running a business easier. B Corp certification demonstrates the business’s dedication to honesty and environmental sustainability. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) also regulates its own MPI license.
Key corporate secretarial services
- All plans come with unlimited services for corporate secretaries.
- Getting help from AGM to file an annual return
- Keeping track of legal records and lists
- Giving out and moving common shares
- Help with paying dividends
- Applying for the Register of Registrable Controllers (RORC)
- Changes to officers, address and company information (unlimited rounds)
- Help with signing up for Corppass
- A safe online document portal that is open all the time
Notable strengths or differentials
- 100% digital experience: You can access all of your documents from a single dashboard and incorporation and compliance management are done completely online.
- Unlimited secretary support: Sleek’s plans include unlimited changes to officers, addresses and other details, unlike providers that charge per transaction.
- Being a part of a global network that strikes a balance between profit and social responsibility demonstrates your commitment to ethical behavior.
- Integrated ecosystem: Offers MAS-licensed business banking and corporate secretarial services, which means you don’t have to deal with as many vendors.
- Clear pricing: The online platform clearly displays the costs, ensuring no hidden charges.
Ideal client type
Startups, SMEs and digital-first founders seeking an all-in-one platform that combines corporate secretarial services with accounting, tax and business banking in a seamless digital experience are the ideal client type.
Contact information
- Website: www.sleek.com/sg
4. HeySara
HeySara is a cloud-based, mobile-first business secretarial platform that assists modern business owners in adhering to legal regulations. HeySara is a big hit with small and medium-sized businesses and new businesses. It is completely digital and has features like 24/7 cloud access, e-signatures and automated reminders. The platform links directly to CorpPass and BizFile+, which makes sure that ACRA filings go smoothly and are correct.
Key corporate secretarial services
- Incorporating a business with ACRA
- Automated reminders for annual general meetings
- Filing a return every year
- Changes to directors and shareholders
- Keeping up with legal records
- A mobile app lets you get to documents in real time.
- Signing papers electronically and making workflows automatic
Notable strengths or differentiators
- Mobile-first design: You can run your whole business from a smartphone app, which is great for busy business owners.
- It has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Google Reviews and TrustIndex, which shows that customers are very happy.
- Affordable pricing: Local incorporation packages start at S$598, so founders who are on a budget can still get professional help.
- Responsive support: Customers say the team is “available and prompt” and gives “friendly, patient” help.
- Registered Filing Agent: ACRA oversees them and gives them full filing authority.
Ideal client type
Startups, SMEs and budget-conscious founders who seek an app-based, digital-first experience, responsive customer support and transparent, affordable pricing are the ideal client type.
Contact information
- Website: www.heysara.sg
5. Hawksford
Hawksford is a global company that offers corporate, private client and fund services. It has more than 600 employees around the world, including more than 75 experts who work on corporate solutions. The company offers custom services that are especially useful for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), funds and complicated corporate structures. Even though Hawksford is a high-end company, clients say that its prices are “pretty reasonable” for the level of service they get.
Key corporate secretarial services
- Setting up and keeping private limited companies
- Monitoring compliance on an ongoing basis
- Services for registered addresses
- Making minutes and resolutions for the board
- Services for nominee directors
- Custom solutions for high-net-worth individuals and fund structures
Notable strengths or differentiators
- Global reach: We have a presence in many countries and are experts in cross-border corporate structures.
- HNWI and fund expertise: Specialized skills that help high-net-worth individuals and investment funds.
- Team that works well: Clients always praise how quickly the team responds and how well they understand.
- Professional credentials: The staff includes Chartered Accountants, ACCA members and Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEPs).
- Registered Filing Agent: ACRA oversees them and gives them full filing power.
Ideal client type
The ideal client type includes high-net-worth individuals, family offices, fund structures and complex corporate clients who require bespoke, globally informed corporate secretarial support.
Contact information
- Website: www.hawksford.com
How to choose the right corporate secretarial firm in Singapore
First, make sure you are a Registered Filing Agent (RFA). Only hire a filing agent in Singapore who has registered with ACRA. As the director, you are completely responsible for any mistakes that an unregistered “freelancer” makes on your filings. Every business on this list is a registered filing agent, which means they are fully responsible for what they do.
Second, think about how far along your business is and how challenging it is. Startups and small businesses might like digital-first platforms like Sleek or HeySara because they are efficient, clear and cheap. BoardRoom’s deep knowledge and presence may help established businesses that operate in more than one region. Businesspeople from other Countries should think about how well Rikvin can handle all parts of immigration. HNWIs and complex structures may necessitate Hawksford’s tailored approach.
Third, think about how easy the technology is to use. In today’s market, there are two kinds of businesses: traditional ones and digital-first ones. Talk to possible providers: “Is there a client portal that is always open?” If the answer is no, you might be paying for how slow they are. ” Sleek and HeySara both have great digital platforms that let you see documents as they happen.
Fourth, check to see how clear the prices are. Instead of “starting from” rates that include hidden fees for things like board resolutions or changes in directors, look for companies that have clear, fixed prices. Sleek posts clear, detailed fees on the web. HeySara makes it simple to find out how much each package costs.
Fifth, think about how well it will work in the long run. A dormant company only needs a secretary to file its annual returns. If you want to raise venture capital, give employees stock options, or grow your business internationally, you need a team that knows how to run it. BoardRoom and Rikvin (through In.Corp) have the experience and knowledge to handle complicated deals and due diligence.
Singapore’s corporate secretarial services are some of the best in the world and they are available to businesses at all stages. BoardRoom has been around for 50 years and has a lot of experience and connections in the area for established businesses. Rikvin helps foreign business owners with all of their immigration needs while also having a lot of local knowledge. Sleek offers a smooth digital experience with unlimited secretary help and built-in business banking. HeySara makes things easy for mobile users at prices that everyone can afford. Hawksford makes custom solutions for complicated structures and clients with a lot of money.
The size, growth rate and specific compliance needs of your business will determine who the best partner is for it. All five companies offer the best professional service, which makes Singaporean businesses feel safe about following the rules.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is a corporate secretary mandatory in Singapore?
Yes. According to Section 171 of the Companies Act, every company must hire a corporate secretary within six months of starting up. The secretary must live in Singapore and be a resident of the area. If you don’t hire a secretary on time, you’re breaking the law and ACRA can fine both the company and the directors personally.
2. How much do corporate secretarial services cost in Singapore?
The costs depend on the type of company and the services it offers. Digital-first companies like HeySara offer packages for local incorporation that start at S$598 and include secretary services. Sleep offers corporate secretary services for as little as S$300 a year. Tianlong says that automated providers can keep costs between S$200 and S$260 a year. Premium companies that offer custom services usually charge more. Always check what’s included; some providers charge extra for things like changing directors or transferring shares.
3. How do I know if a corporate secretarial firm is reliable?
Reliability indicators include Registered Filing Agent (RFA) status with ACRA, professional credentials (Chartered Secretary, Chartered Accountant), an established track record (BoardRoom’s 50+ years), positive client testimonials, transparent pricing and clear service scopes. Award-winning providers like Sleek (B Corp certified) and firms with strong client ratings (HeySara’s 4.8/5) offer additional validation.
4. Can I switch corporate secretarial firms if I am unsatisfied?
Yes, it’s easy to switch. A trustworthy provider takes care of the whole transition. They let your old secretary know, get the legal books and records and update ACRA. You usually only sign one electronic document. If your current secretary feels like an anchor that slows you down, switching to a digital-first solution can make your compliance experience much better.
5. What is the difference between traditional and digital-first providers?
Traditional companies, like BoardRoom and Rikvin, have a lot of experience, give personalized advice and are often better for complicated structures. But they might have to rely on manual processes and slower ways to talk to each other. Digital-first providers like Sleek and HeySara usually have lower prices and offer 24/7 online portals, automated reminders, digital signing and real-time access to documents. Some companies offer hybrid models that mix technology with help from people.
6. What happens if I miss an ACRA filing deadline?
If you file late, you will have to pay fines that can add up quickly. ACRA charges late fees that start at a few hundred dollars and go up as the delay gets longer. Not only can the company face fines, but if they keep breaking the rules, they could also be removed from the register and directors could be disqualified. A reliable corporate secretary maintains a calendar of compliance deadlines and ensures their timely fulfillment.
