The UK is improving business transparency with new rules for Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSP) under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. Companies will need to change how they verify identities. This knowledge is essential for small business owners, accountants, and anyone interested in staying legal.
At Clarkwell & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants, we see ourselves as more than just accountants in London. We’re here to help you understand regulations, grow your business, and make smart choices. In this guide, we’ll explain the ACSP identity verification rules, what they mean for your business, how to become an ACSP, and how to stay compliant.
What is an ACSP and why does It Matter
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a trusted third party allowed to submit documents and verify identities for clients at Companies House. This change comes from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, aiming to reduce fraud and build trust in UK businesses.
Think of an ACSP as a secure link between businesses and the government. Starting in Autumn 2025, you must verify identities to appoint a new director or make filings. You can either do this yourself through Companies House or have an ACSP handle it for you securely and correctly. This process ensures that all key individuals associated with a business have verified identities.
By using ACSPs, Companies House wants to strengthen security, decrease fraud, and improve the quality of corporate data. These steps are part of a larger plan to make the UK a transparent and trustworthy place to do business.
The Problem: Why These Rules Were Introduced
Historically, Companies House accepted filings with few checks. This allowed fake directors, hidden owners, and misuse of company data to occur. As the world focuses more on anti-money laundering (AML) and corporate transparency, the UK has to respond. For years, fraudsters exploited weaknesses in the system, creating shell companies and laundering money through supposedly trusted records.
The ACSP framework aims to fix these issues. It verifies every key person through secure checks, ensuring that those conducting the checks are also trustworthy. This new system promotes accountability at all levels. The approach is straightforward: verify everyone, trust only verified individuals, and create a reliable, transparent business environment.
Who Can Become an ACSP in the UK?
Not everyone can be an ACSP. This role has legal requirements, and only specific professionals and firms qualify. To be eligible:
- You must be supervised by a UK anti-money laundering body like ICAEW, ACCA, HMRC, or FCA.
- You must be a business or individual providing company filings, formation, or secretarial services.
- You must register using Companies House’s digital service.
Typical ACSPs include law firms, accounting firms, company formation agents, and governance experts. At Clarkwell & Co., our chartered certified accountant services meet these standards, helping clients with verified filings and compliance support.
It’s important to remember that this role isn’t just about completing forms. You must genuinely perform regulated work and have the right qualifications. Companies House will audit and reject applications that do not meet these strict requirements.
Understanding Companies House ACSP Requirements
Here’s a simplified version of the content, broken down by paragraph:
- AML Supervision: You need to show proof that you are part of an AML supervisory body. If you do not provide this, your application will be denied.
- Digital Identity Verification: You must complete ID verification for yourself or your business lead before you can act as an ACSP. This step is required for initial registration.
- Business Info: All information you submit, like your business name and supervisory body registration, must match official records. If there are any differences, it could delay or block your approval.
- Fee: You must pay a one-time registration fee of £55. This fee covers administrative and verification costs.
Once you’re approved, you will receive a Companies House digital account and an ACSP reference number. This number shows that you can verify others and submit filings. It is your official licence to operate as a trusted corporate service provider.
ACSPs must keep Companies House updated on any changes to AML supervision, address, or business structure within 14 days.
How to Become an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
If you’re thinking about becoming an ACSP, here’s a simple breakdown of the registration process in the UK:
- Step 1: Make sure your firm is AML-supervised. This is essential.
- Step 2: Go to the Companies House digital portal to start your ACSP application. You’ll upload the required documents and verify key individuals.
- Step 3: Verify the identity of your main contact, usually the senior partner or director.
- Step 4: Pay the fee and submit your application. Most applications get reviewed within a few days.
After you register, you can log into the ACSP portal, add authorised team members, and start submitting identity verifications and filings for clients.
At Clarkwell & Co., we guide clients through this process, whether they want to become an ACSP or need help with compliance. As tax specialists in London, we understand the balance between running your business and meeting your obligations.
ACSP Identity Verification Rules Explained Simply
Let’s get into the heart of the matter. What exactly are the ACSP identity verification rules?
Who Must Be Verified?
- All company directors
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Relevant filing agents submitting on someone else’s behalf
How Does It Work?
- Identity is verified via Companies House or through a registered ACSP
- Verification must be completed before appointments take legal effect
- You must provide a valid government-issued ID (passport, driving licence, etc.)
- Some cases require biometric facial recognition for added assurance
When Does It Apply?
- From Autumn 2025, identity verification will become mandatory for new officers
- Existing officers will have a transitional grace period
- Agents filing on behalf of others must register as ACSPs by Spring 2026
The goal is to make sure only real, verified people are officially connected to companies. We want to eliminate ghost directors and fake registrations.
What It Means for Directors and PSCs
If you’re a company director or PSC, you need to verify your identity. Here’s why it matters:
- Without verification, your appointment or filing could be rejected or made invalid.
- An ACSP can make this easier. They verify your identity, keep records, and submit everything for you.
This is useful for small businesses or directors unfamiliar with Companies House. That’s why our accounting services for small businesses include ACSP filing support. We ensure everything is done correctly and on time.
For PSCs living overseas or without a UK-issued ID, verification can take longer and require extra documents. A registered ACSP can help make this process easier.
The Role of AML Supervision for ACSPs
Let’s discuss compliance. The ACSP framework is built around AML supervision, based on ACSP UK standards. If you aren’t supervised, you can’t register or act as an intermediary in filing or verification processes.
AML supervision makes sure ACSPs keep proper records, perform due diligence, and assess client risks. It adds an extra layer of oversight to protect clients and the quality of corporate filings.
At Clarkwell & Co., our strong AML supervision status guarantees that all identity checks are secure, thorough, and documented for audits. This gives clients confidence that they are working with a compliant and transparent firm.
ACSP Filing Rules for Agents: What Changes?
Previously, any agent could file information with Companies House easily. Now, only registered ACSPs (Authorised Company Service Providers) can file for others. This change aims to stop risky practises.
All agent filings must include an ACSP reference number. This helps Companies House track who submitted each filing and if they were allowed to do so.
If your business uses a third party for company formation, accounting, or updating directors, make sure they are a verified ACSP. If not, your filings might be delayed or rejected. For instance, submitting annual accounts through a non-ACSP could lead to late fees or compliance reviews.
By working with Clarkwell & Co., who are both your accountants and registered ACSPs, you ensure your filings are done correctly the first time. This means no delays, no penalties, and no confusion.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
The new Companies House filing rules for 2025 are a big change. From then on:
- Agents must be verified as Approved Company Service Providers (ACSPs).
- All company officers must verify their identities.
- Not following these rules could lead to fines, delays, or removal from the register.
But this is about more than just deadlines. The government wants to improve the UK’s image as a safe and secure place for business. Future changes may include stricter rules for dormant companies, better auditing standards, and more data sharing with law enforcement.
Now is the time to get ready. Businesses that prepare early can avoid last-minute issues. Remember: it’s better to prepare calmly than to panic under pressure. Start checking your director and PSC data now to find any gaps early.
Why Work With Clarkwell & Co.?
As accountants in London, Clarkwell & Co. offers more than numbers. We provide:
- Verified ACSP services
- End-to-end support with identity verification
- Guidance on Companies House compliance
- Help with director filings, PSC updates, and more
- Expertise across company formations, tax planning, and regulatory compliance
We help many small companies handle new regulations so they can focus on running their businesses. Our personalised support helps you not only meet the new requirements but also succeed.
No matter your industry, tech, retail, construction, or consulting, our Chartered Certified Accountants and ACSP experts make compliance easy. You can trust us for accurate, responsible, and current knowledge.
Stay Ahead, Stay Compliant
The ACSP verification in the UK is not just a trend; it’s a new standard. To avoid compliance risks, act now instead of waiting until the deadline.
Let Clarkwell & Co. manage your filings, verification, and communication with Companies House, so you can concentrate on growing your business. Whether you’re a director needing support or an agent registering, we’re here to assist you.
Don’t gamble with compliance. Use it as a strategic advantage. Our team is ready to help you adapt to the new system smoothly and affordably.
