What businesses need to know about ACSP registration and ID verification

From 18 March 2025, accountants will be able to register with Companies House as an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP), with ID verification requirements following in the weeks ahead.

These changes mark a big change in corporate governance and compliance, bringing greater transparency and accountability to UK businesses.

Our team of corporate governance and company secretarial experts is here to help you navigate these regulatory updates, ensuring your business remains compliant and well-prepared for the new requirements.

What are the new ACSP rules?

The ACSP regime will initially be voluntary, but by spring 2026, it will become mandatory for third-party agents, such as accountants and lawyers, to be registered as an ACSP if they file on behalf of companies.

From 18 March 2025, accountants, solicitors, trusts, and company service providers (TCSPs) who are registered for anti-money laundering (AML) supervision in the UK will be able to register as ACSPs.

This registration will allow them to carry out ID verification services for clients and provide these details to the Companies House registrar.

Under the new framework, Companies House will have greater powers to strike off companies if they are found to have been created on a false basis.

It will also conduct checks on ACSPs to ensure they meet the required compliance standards.

Upcoming ID verification requirements

A new identity verification service will launch on 8 April 2025, allowing individuals to voluntarily verify their identity through Companies House or an ACSP.

By autumn 2025, new incorporations and directors will be required to undergo ID verification, with a full rollout planned by autumn 2026.

This change will impact an estimated seven million existing directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), requiring them to verify their identity as part of their annual confirmation statement filing.

The ID requirements will also extend to limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and other registration types.

What businesses need to do

To ensure compliance with these changes, businesses should take the following steps:

• Stay ahead of the ACSP registration process – If your company relies on third-party agents for filings, ensure they are registered and authorised before spring 2026.
• Prepare for ID verification requirements – Ensure all directors, PSCs, and LLP members are aware of their upcoming obligations.
• Review corporate governance procedures – Businesses should ensure their internal governance structures align with the new transparency and compliance measures.
• Seek expert support – Our corporate governance and company secretarial specialists can help you manage these changes efficiently and effectively.

How we can help

Our team offers comprehensive company secretarial and corporate governance services, ensuring your business is fully prepared for these upcoming regulatory changes. We can assist with:

• ACSP registration – Helping accountants, solicitors, and service providers register and comply with Companies House requirements.
• ID verification compliance – Supporting businesses and directors through the ID verification process.
• Corporate governance reviews – Ensuring your company’s records, filings, and procedures meet the latest compliance standards.
• Annual confirmation statement filings – Helping businesses incorporate the new ID requirements into their annual reporting.

While these measures aim to improve transparency and combat financial crime, businesses must act now to ensure compliance before the mandatory deadlines.

If you need guidance on these changes, our team is here to help. Get in touch today to ensure your company is fully prepared for these changes.