20/06/2025
Identity verification coming to Companies House
As part of the changes being gradually introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCT), identity verification is set to become a Companies House requirement.
This is one of a number of changes that the Act is making to better protect the data held at Companies House.
Who will be affected by identity verification?
Identity verification will ultimately become a compulsory part of incorporation and new appointments for new directors/members and persons with significant control (PSCs).
All existing directors/members and PSCs will also need to verify their identity once Companies House make this mandatory as of ‘autumn 2025’. Anyone who files a document on behalf of an entity registered at Companies House will also need to have their identity verified.
Mandatory identity verification is still being prepared for. However, individuals have been able to voluntarily verify their identity from April 2025 using their GOV.UK One Login or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Changes for third party corporate service providers
March 2025 saw the introduction of a new service for third party corporate service providers, such as accountancy firms, to apply to register as an ACSP.
Ultimately, third party providers will have to register to be able to file information and confirm they’ve verified the identities of their clients.
ACSPs have to be:
- Based in the UK
- Registered with Companies House
- Be registered with a UK supervisory body for anti-money laundering (AML) services
- Retain records of identity verification checks.
We are pleased to say that HWB have registered as an ACSP and will soon be able to offer identity verification services for our clients. If you need any company secretarial support, please contact Nick Whitemore on 023 8202 7498 or email Nick Whitemore.