Foreign businesses expanding into Australia sometimes want to protect their privacy while maintaining full ownership of their company. A nominee shareholder arrangement makes this possible.
At ABN Australia, we provide professional nominee shareholder services that allow your name to remain off the public shareholder register while you retain complete legal ownership and control through a legally binding Declaration of Trust.
What is a Nominee Shareholder?
A nominee shareholder is an independent party that holds shares on behalf of the beneficial owner. For example, our nominee shareholder's name appears on ASIC records and share certificates, but the beneficial owner of your foreign business remains the true legal owner of the shares. The beneficial owner keeps all rights to dividends, capital gains, voting, and any other shareholder benefits.
A Declaration of Trust legally confirms that the nominee shareholder holds the shares solely for the beneficial owner's benefit and acts only on your instructions.
Why do foreign businesses use a nominee shareholder in Australia?
Foreign investors commonly appoint a nominee shareholder to:
Protect their personal privacy by keeping their name off public ASIC records.
Maintain confidentiality around commercial or investment activities.
Structure corporate ownership more effectively.
Help facilitate company establishment and registrations where overseas documentation may still be in progress.
Does a nominee shareholder in Australia control my company?
A nominee shareholder does not control your company or your shares. You, as the beneficial owner, retain ownership and instruct the nominee shareholder on all matters relating to the shares.
Is a nominee shareholder legal in Australia?
Nominee shareholder arrangements are legal in Australia when they comply with Australian laws and are supported by appropriate legal documentation.
The relationship between the nominee shareholder and the beneficial owner is typically governed by a Declaration of Trust, which clearly records the beneficial owner's rights and the nominee's obligations. Professional administration and accurate documentation are essential to ensure compliance and protect the interests of all parties.
What are the benefits of using a nominee shareholder?
A nominee shareholder can provide several practical advantages for foreign businesses entering the Australian market. Our nominee shareholder service will help you:
Protect your privacy – Keep your name and home address off public ASIC shareholder records.
Protect sensitive commercial interests – Avoid publicly disclosing your investment or ownership structure.
Maintain strategic anonymity – Keep your identity confidential where it supports your commercial objectives.
Streamline Australian registrations – Help facilitate company, tax, government, and commercial registrations, particularly when overseas documentation is still being finalised.
Support international expansion – Simplify the establishment of your Australian company as a foreign business.
Enhance your company's credibility – Benefit from the support of a trusted Australian corporate services provider.
Why choose ABN Australia for nominee shareholder services?
ABN Australia draws on more than 50 years of experience in Australian company establishment and regulatory compliance to support foreign businesses entering the Australian market. Our nominee shareholder service offers:
Professional nominee shareholder appointments.
Legally prepared Declaration of Trust documentation.
Experienced support from Australian corporate compliance specialists.
Fast and efficient onboarding for international clients.
Integrated tax, accounting, company secretarial, and corporate compliance services.
Whether you want to protect your privacy, simplify your Australian company structure, or support your business expansion, our experienced team provides practical solutions backed by decades of local expertise.
If you are establishing or operating an international business in Australia and want to keep your shareholding private while retaining full ownership and control, ABN Australia can be your most reliable partner and nominee shareholder. Speak to one of our specialists today to discuss your requirements.
Last updated: 30th June 2026
About the Author
Ro Elvinia is ABN Australia's Customer Success and Marketing Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, majoring in journalism, and also has an academic background in civil engineering. With over a decade of experience in professional writing and a background spanning journalism, Australian immigration, and business services, Ro brings a unique mix of communication and analytical expertise. She works closely with international clients and contributes to ABN Australia's content strategy, helping global businesses stay informed and confident as they navigate the Australian market.
Ro Elvinia
Customer Success and Marketing Manager