Companies House ID verification checks changes

Update on 24 February 2025: Companies House has delayed the launch of the ACSP registration service, after identifying areas of the service that require final testing. A new launch date is to be confirmed.

Firms that fall under anti-money laundering (AML) supervision and wish to provide identification verification checks to Companies House on behalf of their clients will soon be required to register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).

From 25 February 2025, firms will be able to apply to Companies House to become an ACSP. More information can be found here. Full guidance is due to be released in early February.

The requirement will apply to firms covered by the Money Laundering Regulations, including Professional Service Providers, such as accountants and solicitors, and Trust and Company Service Providers, such as company formation agents.

Companies House is introducing the measure as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act to ensure accuracy and transparency in the public register. It aims to prevent fraudulent activities by verifying the identity of all individuals submitting information, including those acting on behalf of companies.

For further information and to kept up-to-date with the changes, please see the Companies House website.