Upcoming verification changes for companies

As Companies House continues to roll out measures from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), there will soon be a new requirement for verification of all directors and persons with significant control (PSCs). One method for this will be via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as Larking Gowen.

What you need to know about the upcoming changes

These changes will impact all company directors and PSCs, who will all have to go through a mandatory verification process by autumn 2026. This can either be completed using Companies House’s own verification system, or through an ACSP.

Companies House is strengthening its rules, aiming to:

• Ensure accurate and transparent company information on the public register
• Reduce the risk of fraud
• Build trust in the public register by improving collaboration with regulators and supervisory bodies

What is an ACSP?

An ACSP is a business that is covered by Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (AML), such as accountants, solicitors and company formation agents.

ACSPs will be able to:

• Conduct identity verification checks
• File information on behalf of clients
• Ensure compliance with Companies House regulations

Larking Gowen is registered as an ACSP.

How this affects you

You can expect this to affect your interactions with your advisor and Companies House in the following ways:

• Enhanced verification: Advisors will be required to conduct more thorough identity verification checks to comply with the new regulations.
• Increased transparency: These measures aim to enhance the transparency and accuracy of the information advisors handle on your behalf.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensuring compliance with these new requirements helps advisors maintain high standards of service.

How we can help

• Verification and registration: We can help companies verify their individuals (directors and PSCs) using our trained staff and specialised software, meeting the new Companies House standards.
• Clear communication: We can keep you informed about any changes in Companies House processes and what you need to do.

Timeline

• Already in effect: Third-party providers, including accountants and solicitors, can carry out identity checks on behalf of clients for Companies House.
• From 8 April 2025: Individuals can verify their identity voluntarily, either via GOV.UK One Login, or through an ACSP via a verification portal.
• Autumn 2025: Mandatory ID checks commence in autumn/winter 2025. Any existing directors or people with significant control (PSCs) must verify their identity within a 12-month period – i.e ahead of filing the entity’s next annual confirmation statement.
• Spring 2026: Companies House should be able to ensure all company directors, PSCs, or anyone filing on behalf of a company are verified, and require any agents filing on behalf of companies to be registered as an ACSP.

Next steps

While there’s no immediate action required, we recommend you make yourself aware of the changes to the identification processes required by Companies House. Further guidance and a roadmap of additional Companies House changes can be seen here.

If you have any questions about how these changes affect you, please get in touch with your usual contact on the Our People section of our website. Alternatively, you can call us on 0330 024 0888 or email enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk.

George Ager