Following the implementation of the Unique Business Identifier (the “UBI”) for Limited Partnership Funds took effect from 1 November 2021, the Hong Kong Companies Registry will be implementing the second phase to adopt the Business Registration Number (“BRN”) (ie. the first 8 digits of the BRN) as the UBI for the following types of companies on 27 December 2023:
- Companies incorporated or registered under the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622)
- Open-ended fund companies incorporated or registered under Part IVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571)
- Limited partnerships registered under the Limited Partnership Ordinance (Chapter 37)
- Registered trustees corporations incorporated under the Registered Trustees Incorporation Ordinance (Chapter 306)
- Other entities formed or registered under various Ordinances administered by the Registrar of Companies (the “CR”)
Key changes:
| Hong Kong incorporated/registered company – with BRN | Hong Kong incorporated/registered company – without BRN | |
| Incorporated/registered before 27 Dec 2023 | Incorporated/registered on or after 27 Dec 2023 | Incorporated/registered before 27 Dec 2023 |
| 8 digits BRN will be adopted as the UBI | BRN will be adopted as the No. of Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Registration of Non-HK company | A dummy BRN converted from the previous company number as the UBI |
To facilitate the implementation of Phase 2 of the UBI, the CR has revised 117 specified forms for the companies and relevant persons/entities use from 27 December 2023. A 6-month transitional period will allow the use of some, but not all, of the existing forms. The Company can look up its corresponding BRN or company registration number at the revamped Integrated Companies Registry Information System of the CR from 27 December 2023. If you need support on keep abreast of changes, you can consider hiring professional governance services.
If you have any questions about the changes, please feel free to reach out to our governance experts.
This material is for general information purposes only and cannot be relied upon as professional advice in an individual case.