Identity Verification: What Businesses Need to Know About the Latest Companies House Update
The UK government has introduced major reforms to company law through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. These updates are designed to improve transparency, reduce fraud, and ensure the accuracy of information held by Companies House.
Why These Changes Matter? Companies House is evolving from a passive register into a more active gatekeeper of corporate data. The new powers allow it to query, challenge, and reject information, helping to prevent misuse of the UK’s company framework for criminal purposes. These reforms aim to build trust in the business environment and support economic growth.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and how it might affect you:
✅ Identity Verification
Anyone who sets up, runs, owns, or controls a UK company will be required to verify their identity. This includes:
All new and existing company directors
People with significant control (PSCs)
Anyone filing on behalf of a company
This measure is central to preventing fraudulent company formations and ensuring accountability. Verification can be completed online via GOV.UK One Login, at selected Post Offices, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as DS Business Support. Once verified, individuals receive a Companies House personal code, which must be used to link their identity to their company record.
🗃️ Company Registers
Companies will no longer need to maintain their own internal registers of:
Directors
Directors’ residential addresses
Secretaries
PSCs
Instead, Companies House will become the single, authoritative source for this information.
📬 Confirmation Statements
The confirmation statement process is being updated. Companies will now need to:
Provide a registered email address
Confirm that all required identity verifications have been completed
📊 Filing Accounts
The way companies file their annual accounts is changing. Notably:
Software-only filing will be introduced
Filing options will be simplified to improve consistency and accuracy
🧾 Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)
Third-party agents who file on behalf of clients must now register as ACSPs. This ensures only verified, trusted intermediaries can submit information to Companies House.
🔐 Protecting Personal Information
New safeguards are being introduced to prevent the abuse of personal data on the public register. This includes tighter controls on what information is displayed and how it’s accessed.
🧠 What You Should Do Now
Directors and PSCs: Prepare to verify your identity as soon as the system opens.
Companies: Ensure your registered email address is up to date and ready for confirmation statement changes.
Agents and Accountants: If you file on behalf of clients, begin the process of registering as an ACSP.
📣 Final Thoughts
These reforms are not just administrative, they represent a fundamental shift in how UK companies are regulated. Staying informed and proactive will help you stay compliant and avoid penalties.
For full details and updates, visit the official Changes to UK Company Law website changestoukcompanylaw.campaign.gov.uk.
Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you'd prefer us to handle the verification for you, we’re happy to assist. The fee is £50 + VAT per person. However, we do recommend that clients complete this themselves where possible, as it’s a relatively straightforward process.
If you haven’t verified your identity yet, or want support navigating the process, get in touch with our team. We’re here to help you stay secure, compliant, and confident in every step forward.