The government is continuing to streamline certain administrative requirements related to anti-money laundering. The Royal Decree of June 12, 2026, published in the Belgian Official Gazette on June 23, 2026, amends the operating rules of the UBO Registry to facilitate checks conducted by entities subject to due diligence obligations. These new provisions took effect on July 3, 2026.
Expanded Access to Documents in the UBO Registry
Until now, banks, certified public accountants, auditors, notaries, attorneys, and other professionals subject to anti-money laundering legislation could view the information contained in the UBO registry but did not have access to the supporting documents filed to demonstrate that this information was accurate and up to date.
This restriction has now been removed.
Reportable entities can now directly access the supporting documents accompanying the information recorded in the UBO registry. These may include articles of incorporation, share registers, notarized deeds, or any other document that identifies the beneficial owners of a corporation, a nonprofit organization (ASBL), a foundation, or another legal entity.
A Reduction in Administrative Burden
This change addresses a challenge faced daily by many professionals.
When a client opened a bank account, applied for financing, or engaged a certified public accountant, they often had to submit the same documents regarding their beneficial owners multiple times, even though these documents had already been filed with the UBO registry.
Thanks to this new access, these documents can be consulted directly, which will reduce repetitive requests to businesses and speed up verification procedures.
Higher-Quality Information
This change is not merely an administrative simplification.
It should also improve the quality of the information contained in the UBO registry. Professionals subject to due diligence obligations will now be able to more easily compare the information provided by their clients with the official documents available in the registry.
In the event of discrepancies or clearly inaccurate information, they will be able to notify the General Treasury Administration more quickly, thereby helping to maintain a more reliable and up-to-date registry.
What are the implications for businesses?
This reform does not change companies’ obligations regarding the identification and updating of their beneficial owners.
Companies remain required to provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information to the UBO registry and to retain the necessary supporting documents.
However, interactions with banks, certified public accountants, notaries, or other professionals subject to anti-money laundering legislation should be simplified, as they will now be able to directly access documents already filed with the registry.
