Open Ownership, the World Bank Group’s Beneficial Ownership Transparency Thematic Working Group, which drives the global shift towards transparency and accountability in corporate ownership and control, in collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Corruption at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, have announced a call for submissions for the 2026 Research symposium, themed: “Evidence and Impact of Beneficial Ownership Transparency”, coming up on February 26 and 27, 2026, at the University of Sussex and online.
The one-and-a-half-day symposium aims to deepen understanding and promote evidence-based policymaking, implementation, and advocacy around beneficial ownership transparency (BOT) reforms.
According to the organisers, the event will serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, academics, civil society actors, and multilateral agencies working on transparency and anti-corruption initiatives. The goal is to foster exchange on emerging research, innovative methodologies, and real-world experiences that strengthen the global push for openness in the ownership of legal vehicles and assets.
The symposium seeks to expand the evidence base for beneficial ownership reforms, a critical tool in combating corruption, tax evasion, and illicit financial flows globally.
Submissions are invited from researchers, advocates, and practitioners focusing on three key areas: BOT policy design and implementation, Impact measurement and data use, and BOT of assets and other emerging issues.
Please note that a limited number of travel and accommodation bursaries will be offered to selected participants. Interested individuals can access the full call for submissions here or through the organisers’ official channels.
The deadline for submission is November 16, 2025.
