Five disclosure gaps we see before Companies Registry filings

Late drafts often look complete until someone reads the notes against the year’s events. These five gaps appear regularly in private-company packs we review in Central and Kowloon.

1. Related-party lists that lag the register of directors

A resignation in August still leaves a name in the related-party note if the note template was copied from the prior year. Cross-check the Companies Registry director list against the note before the board signs.

2. Lease disclosures after a warehouse move

Rent may be correct in the expense line while the maturity analysis still reflects the old lease. If you relocated mid-year, rebuild the maturity table from the new agreement.

3. Comparative figures that do not re-tie

Inventory or trade payable lines sometimes drift after a stock-count adjustment posted only to the current year. Force a tie from the signed prior accounts before narrative review begins.

4. Contingent wording copied without legal update

A claim settled in mediation may still appear as contingent if legal counsel was not asked for an update. Ask for a one-page status note dated near the approval date.

5. Directors’ report tone that contradicts the numbers

Optimistic commentary on a segment that shows a material decline invites questions. Align the narrative with the segment note, even if the wording becomes more restrained.

None of these replace a full audit. They are the sorts of checks that make a Statutory Reporting Review useful before the company secretary lodges the pack.