As part of the changes being gradually introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCT), identity verification is set to become a Companies House requirement.
Companies House is introducing these new identity verification processes to help deter those wishing to use companies for illegal purposes.
This is one of a number of changes that the ECCT Act is making to better protect the data held at Companies House.
Who will be affected by identity verification?
Identity verification will ultimately become a compulsory part of incorporation and new appointments for new directors and persons with significant control (PSCs).
All existing directors and PSCs will also need to verify their identity as part of the annual confirmation statement filing, once Companies House make this mandatory. anyone who files a document will also need to have their identity verified.
Mandatory identity verification is still being prepared for; however, individuals will be able to voluntarily verify their identity from 8 April 2025 using their GOV.UK One Login or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Accountants that are registered with their professional bodies will be able to apply to Companies House to become Authorised Corporate Service Providers.
The ECCTA will introduce a number of other changes in the coming years including measures to prevent abuse of personal information held on the Companies House register, improving transparency of company ownership, changes to small company accounts filing options and changes to the registration of overseas entities.
More information about these changes and what they will mean for you and your company can be found below.
Protecting your personal information
Improving Transparency of Company Ownership
Small Company Accounts Filing Options
Register of Overseas Entities
Changes to UK Company Law at a glance
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. We cannot accept responsibility or liability for any actions you may take, or not take, based on this information.
