Understand shareholder rights, duties, and legal protections in Singapore companies - from voting powers to dividend entitlements and corporate governance.
A Shareholder (also called Member) is an individual or entity that owns shares in a company, representing ownership interest and entitlement to participate in the company's profits and governance. In Singapore, shareholders have specific rights and protections under the Companies Act.
Own percentage of company through share ownership
Vote on key corporate decisions and resolutions
Receive share of company profits when declared
Protected by statutory rights and remedies
Different categories and their characteristics
Key statutory and contractual rights
Right to vote on company resolutions and elect directors
Right to receive company information and inspect records
Rights to financial benefits from share ownership
Legal protections against oppression and mismanagement
Limited but important obligations
Duty to pay for shares when called upon by company
Substantial shareholders must disclose their holdings
Exercise rights in good faith and for proper purposes
All shareholders have a legal duty to declare registrable controller status and knowledge of controllers in the company.
Shareholders are required to declare if they are a registrable controller of the company (owning 25% or more voting power) or if they have knowledge of any other registrable controllers. This information is essential for maintaining the Register of Registrable Controllers as required under Singapore law. Please obtain the latest information regarding ROC requirements from Singapore authorities to ensure full compliance.
Authority exercised through collective action
Powers exercised at shareholder meetings
Power to appoint and remove company directors
Approve fundamental changes to company structure
Powers to protect shareholder interests
Compliance requirements for shareholders
Mandatory disclosure requirements for large shareholders
Follow proper procedures for share transfers
Attend and participate in shareholder meetings
Legal recourse for aggrieved shareholders
Relief for unfairly prejudicial conduct
Sue on behalf of company for breaches
Petition court to liquidate company
Key compliance requirements for shareholders
Maintain accurate disclosure of shareholdings
Exercise voting rights at shareholder meetings
Notify company of share transfers and changes
Keep registered address current with company
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