CBCA register of significant control
Federally incorporated CBCA companies must keep a register of individuals with significant control, listing anyone holding or controlling 25 percent or more of shares by value or votes, update it yearly and on change, and file it with Corporations Canada. Shell numbered companies are a common gap.
What the rule requires
Federal corporations; penalties up to $1,000,000 since 22 Jan 2024.
Who it catches
Every federally incorporated private company. Corporations Canada can dissolve a non-filer and refuse a certificate of compliance.
How to check whether you comply
Read it yourself
We would rather you checked us than took our word for it. This links to the law as published, not to our summary of it.
Questions people ask
What is a register of individuals with significant control?
Federally incorporated CBCA companies must keep a register of individuals with significant control, listing anyone holding or controlling 25 percent or more of shares by value or votes, update it yearly and on change, and file it with Corporations Canada. Shell numbered companies are a common gap.
Who does CBCA register of significant control apply to?
Every federally incorporated private company. Corporations Canada can dissolve a non-filer and refuse a certificate of compliance.
How do I check whether we comply with CBCA register of significant control?
Do you file your individuals-with-significant-control register with your annual return - and within 15 days of any change? Penalties rose to $1M and five years. You can also run our free website check, which tests 25 technical items in about twenty seconds, or book a review if this rule needs a documented answer.
Other rules that catch the same businesses
Find out which of the 33 apply to you
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Check my fine riskThis page summarises a legal obligation in plain language so you can work out whether it applies to you. It is not legal advice, and the primary source linked above governs. Last reviewed 2026-10-03.