The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will roll out a new web-based registry for beneficial ownership disclosures by the end of January. Starting January 30, companies will submit ownership information through the Hierarchical and Applicable Relations and Beneficial Ownership Registry (HARBOR) at harbor.sec.gov.ph or via the Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST).
The system aims to streamline filing, improve data quality, and provide faster access to reliable ownership information. It is integrated with the SEC’s eFAST portal and reduces manual processing of disclosures.
“Beneficial ownership disclosures are a key transparency reform that supports good governance and prevents the misuse of corporate structures,” said SEC chairman Francis E. Lim. He added that HARBOR will help the SEC better manage ownership data and assist partner agencies in lawful enforcement actions.
Beneficial owners are individuals who ultimately control or own a corporation, directly or indirectly. Previously, these disclosures were submitted on the last page of a company’s general information sheet (GIS). With HARBOR, the SEC has removed this page from the 2026 GIS, reflecting the shift to the new system. Companies will now only need to update ownership information when changes occur, rather than resubmitting annually.
To use HARBOR, filers must have an active eSECURE account, and only authorized eFAST filers may submit declarations through the system.
