Understanding Saudi Arabia's New Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Rules: A 2025 Compliance Guide

Saudi Arabia is advancing its corporate transparency initiatives with the introduction of new Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Rules, issued by the Ministry of Commerce on February 21, 2025. These rules, effective from April 3, 2025, are designed to align the Kingdom with global standards, particularly those outlined by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), while combating financial crimes such as money laundering and tax evasion. - Key Requirements for Businesses A UBO is defined as any natural person who owns or controls at least 25% of a company’s shares or voting rights, holds the authority to influence major corporate decisions, or exercises significant control over business operations. Under the new regulations, most companies operating in Saudi Arabia are required to disclose and maintain up-to-date records of their ultimate beneficial owners. If no individual meets these criteria, senior executives such as directors or managers w...