Two new standing orders that require disclosure of the identities of corporate litigants were issued this week by Delaware U.S. District Court Chief Judge Colm Connolly.
The orders require disclosure of direct and beneficial ownership information “up the chain of ownership” for alternative entities, such as limited liability companies and joint ventures in cases going to federal court. The order includes disclosing the country of citizenship.
The orders come as calls increase for added transparency of LLCs and other entities that come with minimum disclosure requirements.
At the state level, Delaware has made changes in its laws after some LLCs were tied to criminal and other activities. The release of documents from the Panama Papers several years ago pulled back the curtain on the activities of corporate entities.
The state has also revoked a few corporate charters.
