Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: Additional implementation dates shared by Companies House

Companies House has recently given an indication of when further changes under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) will be implemented.

Identify verification

The overarching aim of Companies House in the long term is that anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity to prove they are who they say they are.

From 25 March 2025, individuals should be able to voluntarily verify their identity – either directly via Companies House through GOV.UK One Login (using ID documents such as a passport) or via an Authorised Corporate Services Provider (ACSP) (see below for further details).  

Based on current published timelines, it is envisaged that identity verification (IDV) will become a compulsory part of company incorporations and new appointments for new directors and PSCs by this autumn.  At the same time, it is expected that the 12-month transitional phase to require all existing directors and PSCs to verify their identity will commence.  IDV will take place as part of the annual confirmation statement process – so whilst there is a 12-month transition period, some companies may find their directors and PSCs compelled to verify their identity early in the autumn (if their confirmation statement is due for filing at that time).  

By spring 2026, it is expected that identity verification of all presenters of information for filing at Companies House will be compulsory – and any third-party agents making filings on behalf of companies must be registered as an ACSP.

Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)

From 25 February 2025 it should be possible for those organisations wishing to become ACSPs to apply to Companies House in order to be authorised using the new ‘Apply to register as a Companies House authorised agent’ service.  

ACSPs will need to be UK registered and subject to the UK’s anti-money laundering regime – so this will be relevant for all third-party providers (e.g. accountants and law firms) wanting to submit information to Companies House on behalf of their clients and, if desired, conduct IDV checks on their clients.  

There will be a £55 registration fee and guidance for ACSPs is expected to be published in early February 2025.  

Action to take now

Companies should take this opportunity to check that their details (and those of their directors and PSCs) are correctly recorded at Companies House before the identity verification process becomes compulsory.  This should smooth the IDV process once it becomes mandatory.