ACSPs: What Your Business Needs to Know
Companies House has introduced one of the biggest compliance changes UK businesses have faced in years. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, identity verification is now mandatory for directors and people with significant control (PSCs)—and the rules around who can file information on your behalf have fundamentally changed.
If you’re unsure what this means for your business, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you understand the requirements and stay compliant without the stress.
What is an ACSP?
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a business formally approved by Companies House to verify identities and file company information on behalf of clients. Only firms already supervised for anti-money laundering (AML) compliance can register as an ACSP.
Since 18 March 2025, only ACSPs (or individuals filing on their own behalf) have been able to submit certain company information, including identity verification for directors and PSCs. amlcc.com
Why does this matter to your business?
Previously, Companies House operated largely as a passive registry—information was accepted at face value with limited verification. This made the UK attractive for those seeking to set up companies quickly and anonymously.
The ACSP framework changes this. It introduces a gatekeeper role, placing responsibility on regulated professionals to verify identities before information reaches the public register. The goal is to reduce fraud, improve the reliability of company data, and increase trust in the UK business environment.
The practical impact for you:
- Directors and PSCs must have their identity verified—either directly through GOV.UK One Login or via an ACSP
- From no earlier than November 2026, any third party that files information on behalf of clients must be registered as an ACSP—even if they don’t offer identity verification services aatcomment.org.uk
- Failure to complete verification properly can lead to delays, rejected filings, or penalties
What can an ACSP do for you?
Once authorised, an ACSP can carry out key activities on your behalf, including:
- Identity verification for directors, PSCs, and relevant officers
- Company incorporations and statutory filings
- Confirmation statements and ongoing compliance updates
- Filings for overseas entities where applicable
Working with an ACSP means your filings meet the new legal standards, reducing the risk of rejected submissions or compliance issues.
Key deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Identity verification for directors/PSCs via ACSPs begins | 18 March 2025 |
| Mandatory ACSP registration for all third-party filers | No earlier than November 2026 |
The November 2026 deadline was recently extended to give Companies House more time to complete the identity verification transition and address stakeholder feedback. aatcomment.org.uk
How we can help
Navigating these changes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a registered ACSP, we can:
- Verify identities for your directors and PSCs to Companies House standards
- Handle your filings so you avoid rejected submissions and delays
- Keep you compliant with ongoing changes to Companies House requirements
- Advise on your obligations so you know exactly what’s required and when
Whether you’re incorporating a new company, updating your statutory records, or simply want to ensure you’re meeting the new rules, we’re here to make the process straightforward.
Get in touch
If you’re unsure whether your business is affected or want to discuss how we can support your compliance, contact us today. We’ll help you cut through the confusion and keep your company running smoothly.
