Resources

Registry of Co-operative Societies Annual Reports

Guidelines for virtual and hybrid general meetings

• Guidelines on the conduct of virtual and hybrid general meetings
•  Co-ops may refer to the model by-laws for provisions on virtual/hybrid general meetings. Credit co-ops may refer to by-laws 2.1(aa) and 5.2A. Non-credit co-ops may refer to by-laws 2.1(v) and 5.2A.

Code of Governance

The Code of Governance for Co-operatives (Code) was launched by the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) on 11 Nov 2006 at the Annual Co-operative Leaders’ Conference.  The Code encapsulates the best governance practices of the industry and aims to help co-op boards and management better fulfill their roles.  The Code aims to assist the co-ops to examine and raise their governance standards. The Code covers topics like Board Matters, Conflict of Interest, Accountability etc. The Code is tiered according to credit and non-credit co-ops.

To complement the Code of Governance, the Registry and SNCF have issued self -evaluation checklists for co-ops.  The checklists enable the co-ops to assess their compliance with selected guidelines, better understand their state of governance and work on the areas that require improvements.

Code of Governance for credit co-ops

The Registry and the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) have updated and jointly issued the Code of Governance for Credit Co-ops 2016, for credit co-ops which provides useful guidelines to help credit co-op officers carry out their duties in the best interests of the members.

The Code contains guidelines relating to the credit co-ops’ thrift and loan functions.

• Code of Governance for Credit Co-ops 2016
• Governance Evaluation Checklist 2016 (credit)

Code of Governance for non-credit co-ops

Non-credit co-ops, on the other hand, are subject to the Code’s requirements based on their annual turnover as follows:

• Below S$500,000; or
• S$500,000 and Above

• Code of Governance for Co-ops (Below S$500,000)
• Self-Evaluation Checklist for non-credit co-ops (Below S$500,000)

• Code of Governance for Co-ops (S$500,000 and above)
• Self-Evaluation Checklist for non-credit co-ops (S$500,000 and above)

Governance guides for credit co-ops

• Governance guide on internal controls
• Governance guide on loan management
• Governance guide on investment management

Checklist of Annual Statutory Requirements for Co-operative Societies

Guidelines for Payment of Dividends and/or Honoraria from Reserves

Useful links

Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF)

The SNCF promotes the co-operative movement and co-operatives in Singapore. It also provides co-operative education and training and development. The SNCF represents the co-op movement at national and international levels.

International Co-operative Alliance (ICA)

The ICA is an independent, non-governmental association that unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide. Read more about Singapore's Regional ICA.

Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority Singapore (ACRA)

ACRA is the national regulator of businesses entities and public accountants in Singapore. ACRA also facilitates the development of businesses and the public accountancy profession.

Registry of Societies (ROS)

The ROS regulates societies under the Societies Act and Regulations.