mminently, there will be a significant change for directors, officers and persons with significant control (PSCs) of entities which are required to register with Companies House.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023) has brought in a key measure – Identity Verification (IDV). This means that Companies House will require anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company, limited liability partnership or limited partnership in the UK to verify their identity to prove they are who they claim to be – irrespective of their nationality or where they are resident.
It’s anticipated that there are approximately 7.4m existing officers who are already listed on the register who will need to undergo verification.
Who will need to have their identities verified?
The IDV requirements will apply to all entities which are registered with the Register of Companies – this will include all types of limited companies, including companies limited by guarantee which are often used by charities and other not-for-profit organisations.
IDV will need to be undertaken for all existing and all new individuals associated with entities.
How will identities be verified?
There are two routes to have your IDV carried out.
- Directly with Companies House
Individuals can do this through GOV.UK One Login by answering security questions online or taking documents to a Post Office.
The method most likely to be convenient will depend on access to a mobile phone with a camera, if the individual has photo ID and what type of photo ID it is.
- Authorised Corporate Services Provider (ACSP)
The other alternative to have your IDV checked is to use an ACSP. ACSPs are individuals or organisations such as accountants, solicitors, chartered secretaries and governance professionals who have registered as ACSP’s with Companies House. ACSPs will also be known as Companies House authorised agents. IDVs carried out by ACSPs must meet the same level of assurance as those who verify directly with Companies House.
Because of a ‘hitch’ in Companies House systems there has been a delay in ACSPs registrations.
Originally, registration as an ACSP was expected to begin on 25 February 2025 with the opening of the online registration system. However, this was delayed until 18 March 2025 and the introduction of voluntary ID verification was pushed back to 8 April (it had been due on 25 March).
However, this will not impact on the broader Companies House reform timelines and the introduction of IDV and related reforms will go ahead as planned. The delay in the online portal availability may reduce the time those firms intending to offer ACSP services have between registering and beginning identity verification for clients.
It’s clear that Companies House is intent on improving the quality and reliability of its data to tackle misuses of the companies register and are committed to the fight against economic crime.
If you need our help get in touch at enquiries@cowgills.co.uk, or via our website here.
