Corporate changes
In 2025, corporate law in key jurisdictions moved in one clear direction: fewer formalities and more substantive checks. States are increasingly assessing not only how a company is registered, but also the real purpose of its activity and who actually controls it.
United Kingdom: Companies House as an active regulator
In 2025, Companies House finally moved away from the “register by declaration” model. The registrar:
- verifies directors and PSCs;
- may block registration actions;
- shares information with law enforcement authorities and HMRC.
For international business, this means increased risks for UK companies without real management and proper documentation.
United States: stricter requirements for beneficiary disclosure (BOI Reporting)
One of the key developments in the United States in 2025 was the practical implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act.
Key changes for businesses:
- most private companies are required to submit Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN;
- information on ultimate beneficial owners and controlling persons must be disclosed;
- financial and criminal liability applies for failure to submit or for providing false information.
A key nuance: these requirements also apply to companies with no active operations in the United States if they are registered there.
Singapore: control over nominee structures
In 2025, Singapore continued its policy of combating formal corporate governance. Control over nominee directors was strengthened, requirements for beneficial ownership registers were increased, and inspection practices by banks and regulators were intensified.
Hong Kong: updates to the Significant Controllers Register requirements
In 2025, Hong Kong focused on:
- the accuracy and timeliness of data on controlling persons;
- the reality of corporate governance;
- interaction between companies, banks, and auditors.
UAE: the end of “paper” companies in Free Zones
In 2025, the UAE continued its course toward:
- real economic presence (Economic Substance);
- verification of declared activities against actual operations;
- enhanced control over Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO).
This has been felt most strongly by freelance licenses, marketing and consulting companies, as well as structures used for tax planning.
Offshore jurisdictions (BVI, Cayman Islands): focus on substance and reporting
In 2025, traditional offshore jurisdictions:
- strengthened economic substance requirements;
- intensified information exchange with tax authorities of other countries;
- began applying penalties more frequently for formal compliance.
Key legislative acts
Alongside corporate changes, 2025 became a period of stricter regulation of business models, particularly in the digital economy, advertising, and data processing.
EU: AI Act as a new business standard
In 2025, the AI Act began shaping practice whereby:
- businesses are required to classify their AI solutions;
- real requirements for documentation and processes were introduced;
- liability applies both to AI developers and AI users.
Digital Services Act (DSA): liability for content and advertising
In 2025, the DSA began to significantly affect online platforms, marketplaces, and advertising models:
- liability for illegal content was strengthened;
- transparency of advertising and targeting was introduced;
- obligations for moderation and complaint handling were established.
United Kingdom: Online Safety Act and business risks
In 2025, the Online Safety Act began to directly affect online platforms, educational services, and communities with user-generated content. Even companies without a physical presence in the United Kingdom may fall within its scope if their services are accessible to UK users.
Overall trend of 2025
Across jurisdictions, common trends are clearly visible:
- regulation is becoming extraterritorial;
- digital business is being equated with traditional business in terms of liability;
- compliance is becoming a full-fledged element of business strategy.
Landmark court cases in 2025
- Google and the antitrust investigation in the United States
The five-year antitrust case against Google moved in 2025 to the remedies phase. The court considered which corrective measures should be applied to restore competition in the search and advertising markets.
- Apple v. Epic Games and new challenges for Big Tech
In 2025, the Apple v. Epic Games case took a new turn. A US federal court stated that Apple executives had deliberately ignored a court injunction and called for consideration of their potential criminal liability. At the same time, Apple is challenging in UK courts a decision requiring it to pay a £1.5 billion fine for excessive App Store commissions, including disputes related to Google Play.