Corporate governance for branch offices

Every company in Singapore is required to hold an annual general meeting (AGM). The same is true of foreign branches. During an AGM, the company’s financial statements will be presented to shareholders, who will then ask questions about the current state of the business.

AGMs are led by the meeting’s chairperson. The chairperson of the AGM also usually serves as the chairperson of the board of directors. However, should there be no chairperson, any other member is allowed to take up the role. Before an AGM begins, the company secretary must prepare all documentation which will be required.

In some cases, a branch office or any other foreign company might not be able to hold an AGM within the allowable time period. However, there is a way for branch offices and other foreign companies to overcome this problem. They may make a request to ACRA to ask for a one-off extension of up to two months. Despite this fact, though, not all foreign companies may do so. Only those which must prepare head office financial statements under the laws of their place of origin or incorporation, but not have to table any financial statements at an AGM, may apply for this extension. Those which do so must apply before the annual filing deadline. There is a charge of S$200 imposed for the application.