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Articles of Association
I need Articles of Association for a private limited company in Singapore, outlining the company's purpose, share structure, and governance, including provisions for director appointments, shareholder meetings, and decision-making processes, in compliance with the Companies Act.
What is an Articles of Association?
Articles of Association spell out the core rules for running a Singapore company - think of them as your company's internal rulebook. They detail how your business makes decisions, handles shares, conducts meetings, and manages relationships between directors and shareholders.
Under Singapore's Companies Act, every company must have Articles of Association when incorporating. While companies can adopt standard articles from the Companies Act Model Constitution, many choose to customize theirs to better suit their business needs, especially for specific arrangements like pre-emptive rights or different share classes.
When should you use an Articles of Association?
You need Articles of Association right from the start when incorporating your company in Singapore. This foundational document becomes essential for managing relationships between shareholders, setting decision-making processes, and establishing clear rules for share transfers and board meetings.
Companies typically review and update their Articles of Association when bringing in new investors, changing their business structure, or adapting to growth. For example, startups often modify their articles before Series A funding to include investor protection rights, while family businesses might add succession planning provisions or restrictions on share transfers to non-family members.
What are the different types of Articles of Association?
- Company Articles Of Association: Standard version for private companies, covering basic governance and shareholder rights
- Articles Of Association For Nonprofit Organization: Specialized version including non-profit specific clauses and member governance
- Limited Company Articles Of Association: Detailed version for limited liability companies with enhanced shareholder protection
- Company Constitution Articles Of Association: Modern format aligning with Singapore's updated Companies Act requirements
- Certificate Of Incorporation And Memorandum And Articles Of Association: Comprehensive package combining incorporation documents with articles
Who should typically use an Articles of Association?
- Company Directors: Responsible for preparing and maintaining Articles of Association, ensuring compliance with governance rules, and implementing key decisions according to its provisions
- Shareholders: Must follow share transfer restrictions, voting procedures, and other rights outlined in the articles during company operations
- Corporate Secretaries: Handle administrative aspects, keep articles updated, and ensure proper filing with ACRA
- Legal Counsel: Draft and review articles, ensuring alignment with Singapore Companies Act and addressing specific business needs
- ACRA Officials: Review and approve articles during company registration, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
How do you write an Articles of Association?
- Company Details: Gather basic information including company name, registered address, business activities, and share capital structure
- Shareholder Information: List all shareholders, their shareholding percentages, and any special rights or restrictions on shares
- Governance Structure: Define board composition, director appointment process, and decision-making procedures
- Business Requirements: Identify specific needs like share transfer restrictions, pre-emptive rights, or dividend policies
- Template Selection: Use our platform's customizable templates to ensure compliance with Singapore Companies Act while meeting your specific needs
- Internal Review: Have key stakeholders review the draft to confirm it aligns with business objectives before filing
What should be included in an Articles of Association?
- Company Name and Registration: Full legal name, registration number, and registered office address
- Share Capital Structure: Classes of shares, rights attached, and share transfer procedures
- Directors' Powers: Appointment process, duties, meeting procedures, and decision-making authority
- Shareholder Rights: Voting procedures, dividend rights, and general meeting requirements
- Corporate Governance: Board composition, quorum requirements, and resolution procedures
- Administrative Provisions: Company seal usage, document execution, and record-keeping requirements
- Winding Up: Procedures for company dissolution and asset distribution
What's the difference between an Articles of Association and a Memorandum of Association?
Articles of Association are often confused with the Memorandum of Association, but they serve distinct purposes in Singapore's corporate law. While both documents are foundational to company formation, they have key differences in scope and function.
- Purpose: Articles of Association focus on internal governance rules and procedures, while the Memorandum defines the company's relationship with external stakeholders and its basic powers
- Content Scope: Articles cover operational matters like board meetings, share transfers, and voting rights; the Memorandum states the company name, objectives, and liability limits
- Modification Process: Articles can be amended through special resolution with shareholder approval; Memorandum changes often require additional regulatory oversight
- Legal Standing: Both documents are legally binding, but Articles govern day-to-day operations while the Memorandum establishes fundamental company characteristics
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