Hi

Anyone setting up, running, owning, or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity to prove they are who they claim to be.

Identity verification will become compulsory for:

• New directors and people with significant control (PSCs)
• Existing directors and PSCs
• Anyone acting on behalf of a company

The easiest way to verify your identity will be through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). These are individuals or organisations that undertake anti-money laundering (AML) supervised activity, such as:

• Company formation agents
• Solicitors
• Accountants
• Chartered secretaries and governance professionals

From 18 March 2025, AML-supervised firms and sole traders can apply to become ACSPs. ACSPs will also be known as authorised agents, and firms will then be able to voluntarily verify the identity of clients from 8 April. The mandatory verification requirement will take effect in autumn 2025.

Why is Companies House Introducing Identity Verification?

Currently, Companies House does not always know exactly who is filing information on the public register. This creates a risk of inaccurate records and fraudulent activity.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduces new requirements to improve accuracy and transparency. These changes will help Companies House work more effectively with regulators and enforcement agencies.

A key part of this reform is requiring third-party agents to register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs). This means Companies House will know who is submitting information and acting on behalf of businesses.

What is an ACSP?

An ACSP is any business that submits information to Companies House and carries out identity verification checks for clients. This includes:

Professional Service Providers (e.g., accountants and solicitors)

Trust and Company Service Providers (e.g., company formation agents)

Before submitting information, these businesses must register with Companies House as an ACSP.

Who Can Become an ACSP?

To qualify, an ACSP must be supervised under UK Money Laundering Regulations by a recognised body. These include:

• HMRC
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)

There are 25 recognised supervisory bodies in total. A full list is available on GOV.UK.

Key Information for ACSP Registration

• If you wish to register, you must be supervised for anti-money laundering in the UK.
• If you are supervised by ICAEW, you must provide your ICAEW firm number (starting with C0 or A0) to confirm supervision.
• Your business name and address must match the details provided to Companies House. If they do not match, your application will be rejected. If updates are needed, visit ICAEW’s maintaining your firm record page.
• Identity verification checks by ACSPs must meet the same level of assurance as those conducted directly by Companies House. You will need to allow extra time to complete these checks, especially when forming new companies.

Companies House will publish further guidance for ACSPs in due course.

Software Providers and ACSPs

If you provide software that submits filings to Companies House on behalf of businesses, you must also register as an ACSP. This ensures accountability for all filings made through software services.

New Powers to Enforce ACSP Compliance

Companies House will have the authority to:

• Suspend or remove an ACSP if they are no longer considered fit and proper.
• Ensure compliance with identity verification and filing responsibilities.

How to Register as an ACSP

If you hold a senior role in your firm (e.g., director), you will need to:

• Complete the registration process – Provide business details, your AML membership number, and undergo identity verification.
• Keep your business details up to date – Ensure that your registration information remains accurate.
• Receive an ACSP digital account and unique ID number – This allows you to submit filings and conduct identity verification checks for clients.
• Add employees to your ACSP account – Team members will be able to file documents and verify identities on behalf of the business, though they won’t need to complete identity verification themselves.

What’s Next?

18 March 2025 – ACSP registration opens.

8 April 2025 – Firms can voluntarily verify client identities.

Autumn 2025 – Identity verification becomes mandatory.

Companies House believes that these reforms, along with enhanced intelligence and enforcement processes, will help maintain the accuracy of business records, protect the public, and disrupt fraud.

If you file information with Companies House for clients, you will need to register as an ACSP. Make sure you understand the requirements and prepare in advance.

Noel Guilford