CorpPass in Singapore: Legal Framework, Governance, and Account Management Procedures

1. Introduction

CorpPass is Singapore’s corporate digital identity system, enabling companies to securely access government digital services. Introduced to streamline regulatory compliance, CorpPass has become an essential tool for corporate secretaries, directors, and authorised signatories to manage statutory obligations efficiently.

Proper management of CorpPass is not only a matter of operational convenience but also a critical component of corporate governance, safeguarding against unauthorised access and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements under the Companies Act 1967 (“Act”) and related regulations.

2. What is CorpPass?

CorpPass is a secure digital credential for companies, designed to:

• Enable authorised personnel to transact with government agencies online.

• Enhance accountability through role-based access control and activity tracking.

Key benefits include secure access, audit trails for transactions, and the ability to manage multiple authorised signatories within a single company.

3. CorpPass Account Management Procedures

3.1 Approval and Creation of Admin Account

• The board of directors or authorised governance body is required formally approve the appointment of the CorpPass Account Administrator.

• A board resolution is suggested to be documented, authorising the individual to manage CorpPass accounts on behalf of the company.

• The admin account is registered online with SingPass or CorpPass portal, with identity verification and corporate details submitted.

Governance Tip: Board approval is suggested to be recorded in minutes to ensure compliance and provide a clear audit trail.

3.2 Adding Users and Assigning Roles

Once the admin account is approved and active:

a) Log into the CorpPass Admin Portal using the admin credentials.

b) Assign Roles: Each user receives specific roles based on statutory function.

c) User Verification: Each user completes identity verification, typically via SingPass.

Segregation of Duties: Ensure users only have access relevant to statutory responsibilities. Directors, corporate secretaries, and any officers should have clearly defined duties to prevent conflicts or errors.

3.3 Modifying Access

• Adding a new user: Admin submits user details, assigns role, verifies identity, and activates access.

• Revoking access: Admin immediately removes users who resign, change roles, or no longer require access.

• Changing roles: Updates are formally authorised by the board or delegated authority and logged for audit purposes.

• E-services assignment: When assigning e-services, the person authorising the access must ensure that the relevant e-services have already been added to the account. Only after the e-services are properly set up can they be assigned to the authorised user.

3.4 Maintaining Audit Trails and Compliance

• Activity logging: Every CorpPass transaction is timestamped and attributed to a specific user.

• Board oversight: Periodic reviews of users, roles, and transactions ensure compliance.

• Documentation: Maintain board resolutions, approvals, and change logs for audit and regulatory inspections.

Failure to properly manage CorpPass accounts may result in:

• Regulatory penalties for officers under the Act.

• Risk of unauthorised or fraudulent submissions.

4. Security and Compliance Considerations

Companies must implement robust internal controls to mitigate risks associated with CorpPass:

• Secure login credentials: Each authorised user must maintain confidentiality of their CorpPass credentials.

• Access monitoring: Activity logs should be reviewed periodically to detect unauthorised use.

• Delegation policies: Any temporary or role-based access should be formally documented and approved by the board.

Negligence or misuse can expose the company to regulatory sanctions and reputational damage.

5. Conclusion

CorpPass is more than a digital login, it is a critical compliance tool for Singapore companies, integrating statutory filing requirements with secure, traceable digital access.

By understanding the legal framework under the Act, adhering to regulations, and embedding CorpPass management into corporate governance practices, companies can:

• Ensure statutory filings are compliant and traceable

• Mitigate operational and regulatory risks

• Strengthen accountability and internal controls

Effective CorpPass management reflects good corporate governance and reinforces the company’s credibility with regulators, auditors, and stakeholders.

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At TVS Corporate Services Pte. Ltd., we provide professional advisory services to help you navigate the complexities of corporate governance and ensure that your company complies with all statutory obligations. Whether you need assistance with director appointments, secretarial services, or understanding the roles of various company officers, we are here to support your business.

For more information or personalized guidance, please contact us via WhatsApp at http://wa.me/+6588693738 or via email at chloe@tvscorporation.com. We look forward to assisting you in achieving your business goals.

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