Christianne Grace F. Salonga | Troy John G. Butac
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) unveils its Hierarchical and Applicable Relations and Beneficial Ownership Registry (“HARBOR”), a new web-based platform for the submission of corporate beneficial ownership disclosures. This rollout is accompanied by corresponding amendments to the General Information Sheet (“GIS”) form.
Starting 30 January 2026, corporations will be required to file their beneficial ownership information through HARBOR, which is fully integrated with the SEC’s Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (“eFAST”).
Only an active authorized eFAST filer may declare beneficial ownership information through HARBOR.
All active authorized eFAST filer must use the 2026 version of the GIS, which removes the beneficial ownership declaration page. The 2026 version of the GIS is available for download at bit.ly/2026GISForms.
The launch of HARBOR is pursuant to SEC Memorandum Circular (“MC”) No. 15, Series of 2025, which revised the rules on beneficial ownership reporting. SEC MC No. 15, Series of 2025, authorizes the SEC to establish an online registry, ensuring a more efficient and centralized system for the collection, maintenance, and analysis of beneficial ownership information. A copy of SEC MC No. 15, Series of 2025, may be accessed here.
Corporations will no longer be required to re-submit identical beneficial ownership declarations annually. Instead, previously filed information may be revalidated, with updates required only when changes occur. Any change in beneficial ownership must be reported within seven (7) calendar days from the occurrence of such change.
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