Nominee Shareholder

A nominee shareholder is an independent party who holds shares on behalf of the real owner (known as the beneficial owner).

While the nominee’s name appears on ASIC records and share certificates, the beneficial owner keeps full legal ownership, including all rights to income, dividends, capital gains, and voting.

There are many reasons businesses and investors choose this approach:

1. Protecting privacy

2. Managing commercial or legal sensitivities

3. Structuring corporate holdings

4. Supporting faster registrations (particularly for international shareholders)

Importantly, appointing a nominee shareholder does not mean giving up control of your shares. The relationship is governed by a legally binding Declaration of Trust, which guarantees that your shares are held solely for your benefit, and that all actions are taken according to your instructions.

At ABN Australia, we provide trusted nominee shareholder services that give you flexibility, privacy, and full control, backed by clear documentation and professional support.

Choosing to appoint a nominee shareholder can give you practical advantages when registering and operating an Australian company.

For many beneficial owners, privacy is a key driver. You may not wish to have your name or home address appear in public records, whether for personal reasons, to protect sensitive business interests or to avoid revealing your full investment portfolio. In other cases, there may be strategic or commercial factors where remaining anonymous supports your business objectives.

Appointing a professional nominee shareholder also helps streamline registrations and compliance, particularly if you are an international investor. In some cases, having a local nominee can speed up tax, government, or commercial registrations when certain documents are not yet available or when the beneficial owner is based overseas.

Another important benefit is credibility. With ABN Australia acting as your nominee shareholder, your business gains the support of a trusted, well-established firm. Our experienced compliance professionals understand the needs of international and domestic businesses alike, helping you meet Australian requirements while supporting strong governance and professional standing in the market.

1. Trusted Local Partner
We have been helping international businesses succeed in Australia for decades, and we know how important it is to get your company structure right from day one. 

2. Protecting Your Interests
Our nominee shareholder service gives you more than just a name on the register. You get a trusted partner who understands compliance, protects your interests, and helps you meet your legal obligations while you remain fully in control of your shares.

3. Deep Expertise
Our team brings extensive expertise in Australian tax, accounting, and corporate governance. We work with companies from all over the world and understand the unique challenges faced by foreign shareholders.

4. Fast and Flexible
Whether you need to fast-track registrations, protect your privacy or strengthen your Australian presence, we make the process straightforward, so you can focus on building your business.