The UK business landscape is changing, and professionals who’ve been filing company information on behalf of clients are about to face a significant shift. If you’re an accountant, solicitor, or corporate service provider who regularly deals with Companies House filings, you’ll want to sit up and pay attention to what’s coming down the line.
The introduction of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) – sometimes called Companies House authorised agents – represents one of the biggest changes to UK company law in recent memory. It’s part of the government’s ongoing battle against economic crime, rolled out under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. But what exactly does this mean for your business, and how can you get ready for the changes ahead?
What Is an ACSP?
Let’s start with the basics. An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is essentially a Companies House authorised agent – a trusted third party who can verify identities and file information on behalf of companies and their directors.
Think of ACSPs as the new gatekeepers of corporate transparency. They’re the professionals who’ll be able to verify that someone is who they claim to be when setting up a company or updating their details with Companies House. It’s a bit like being a digital bouncer for the corporate world, checking IDs at the door to make sure only legitimate people get through.
The whole system stems from the government’s determination to crack down on shell companies and anonymous ownership structures that have been used to hide dirty money or avoid sanctions. By requiring identity verification through authorised agents, Companies House is essentially building a wall of transparency around UK company formation.
Why the Push for ACSPs Now?
The timing isn’t coincidental. The UK has been under increasing pressure to tighten up its corporate transparency rules, particularly following high-profile cases of money laundering and sanctions evasion involving UK companies. The government recognised that Companies House had become a bit of a free-for-all, where pretty much anyone could set up a company with minimal checks. From 18 November 2025, directors and people with significant control (PSCs) of companies must mandatorily verify their identities with HMRC.
Companies House has taken a big step towards greater certainty about who is filing information on behalf of companies with the introduction of the ACSP system. It’s part of a broader transformation that’s been brewing for years, aimed at making the UK a less attractive destination for dirty money while maintaining its reputation as a business-friendly jurisdiction.
The changes also reflect a growing recognition that professional intermediaries – accountants, lawyers, company formation agents – play a crucial role in the corporate ecosystem. Rather than leaving identity verification entirely to Companies House’s overworked staff, the new system leverages the expertise and local knowledge of professional service providers.
Who Can Become an ACSP?
Not everyone can simply decide to become an ACSP. The eligibility criteria are quite specific and reflect the government’s desire to ensure only reputable, regulated professionals take on this responsibility.
To register as an ACSP, businesses must meet specific eligibility criteria, including applicants for business registrations must hold a senior role, such as a director, general partner, or equivalent; and businesses must be registered with a UK AML supervisory body.
This means you’ll need to tick several boxes:
- Professional Status – You need to be a regulated professional or work for a regulated firm. This typically includes accountants, solicitors, barristers, notaries, and other professionals who are already subject to anti-money laundering (AML) supervision. If you’re a sole practitioner, you’ll need to hold the appropriate professional qualifications and be registered with a recognised supervisory body.
- Senior Position – The person applying to become an ACSP needs to hold a senior role within their organisation. You can’t just delegate this to a junior member of staff – it needs to be someone with genuine authority and accountability within the business.
- AML Supervision – This is crucial. Your business must already be registered with a UK AML supervisory body. This could be a professional body like the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Law Society, or HM Revenue and Customs for certain types of businesses. The requirement reflects the fact that ACSPs will be handling sensitive personal information and playing a key role in preventing financial crime.
- Identity Verification – Before you can even apply to become an ACSP, you’ll need to verify your own identity with Companies House. It’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation – you need to prove who you are before you can help others prove who they are.
The eligibility criteria effectively mean that most ACSPs will be established professional firms rather than newcomers to the market. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it ensures that identity verification is carried out by people who understand the importance of due diligence and have systems in place to handle sensitive information properly.
The Application Process: Getting Your Foot in the Door
Companies House launched their new registration service on 18 March 2025, and the application process is entirely online. But don’t expect it to be a quick tick-box exercise – there’s quite a bit involved in getting your ACSP status sorted.
The first step is making sure you meet all the eligibility criteria we’ve just discussed. If you’re unsure whether your business qualifies, it’s worth having a chat with your professional body or seeking legal advice before diving in.
Once you’re confident you’re eligible, you’ll need to gather various documents and information. This typically includes proof of your professional status, evidence of your AML supervision, and details about your business structure. You’ll also need to verify your identity if you haven’t already done so.
The fee for registering as an ACSP with Companies House will be £55, which is relatively modest compared to other professional registrations. However, the real cost lies in the time and resources you’ll need to invest in setting up proper systems and processes.
The application itself involves providing detailed information about your business, including your registered address, the nature of your services, and details about the senior person who’ll be responsible for your ACSP activities. You’ll also need to confirm that you understand your obligations and responsibilities as an ACSP.
Companies House will then review your application, which can take several weeks. They may come back with additional questions or requests for further information, so it’s worth building some buffer time into your planning.
What ACSPs Actually Do
So what will you actually be doing once you become an ACSP? The role breaks down into several key functions, each with its own requirements and responsibilities.
- Identity Verification – This is the bread and butter of ACSP work, at least initially. ACSPs will be able to carry out and submit IDVs to Companies House from 8 April 2025. As stated above, submission of IDVs to Companies House becomes mandatory for directors and PSCs from 18 November 2025. As an ACSP, you’ll be verifying the identities of directors, people with significant control, and others involved in UK companies.
The identity verification process isn’t just a case of checking someone’s passport and calling it a day. ACSPs must take into account the guidance provided by Companies House on How to meet Companies House identity verification standards. This involves multiple layers of checks, including document verification, biometric checks where possible, and ongoing monitoring requirements. - Document Authentication – You’ll need to verify that identity documents are genuine and belong to the person presenting them. This might involve checking security features, cross-referencing databases, or using specialist software to detect fraudulent documents.
- Record Keeping – The agent must keep records of any identity checks for 7 years, if they have verified someone’s identity for Companies House. This isn’t just a case of filing away a photocopy – you’ll need comprehensive records of your verification process, the documents you’ve seen, and any additional checks you’ve carried out.
- Ongoing Monitoring – Your responsibilities don’t end once you’ve verified someone’s identity. You’ll need to monitor for any changes in circumstances and may need to re-verify identities in certain situations.
- Future Filing Services – While identity verification is the immediate focus, third-party providers needing to be registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider to make any filings on behalf of other companies from spring 2026. This means that if you currently file annual accounts, confirmation statements, or other documents on behalf of clients, you’ll eventually need ACSP status to continue doing so.
The Technical Requirements
Becoming an ACSP isn’t just about meeting the eligibility criteria and paying the fee – you’ll also need to invest in the right technology and systems to do the job properly.
- Secure Document Handling – You’ll be dealing with sensitive personal documents, so you’ll need robust systems for storing, processing, and transmitting this information securely. This might mean upgrading your IT infrastructure, implementing new encryption protocols, or investing in secure document management systems.
- Identity Verification Technology – Depending on the volume of work you expect, you might need to invest in specialist identity verification software. This can help with document authentication, biometric checks, and fraud detection. When available, biometric or photographic evidence must be used as part of the verification process.
- Integration with Companies House – You’ll need to be able to submit identity verification information to Companies House electronically. This means ensuring your systems can interface with their APIs and meet their technical requirements.
- Audit Trails – Given the seven-year record-keeping requirement, you’ll need systems that can maintain comprehensive audit trails of all your verification activities. This includes not just the final verification decision, but all the steps you took to reach that decision.
- Staff Training – Your team will need to understand the new requirements and be trained in proper verification procedures. This isn’t something you can just pick up as you go along – proper training is essential to avoid mistakes that could have serious consequences.
Staying on the Right Side of the Rules
Once you’re an ACSP, you’re not just accountable to your existing professional body – you’re also directly accountable to Companies House and, ultimately, to the government. This brings a new layer of compliance obligations that you’ll need to navigate carefully.
- Regulatory Oversight – Companies House will have powers to monitor ACSP activities, investigate complaints, and take enforcement action where necessary. This could include anything from requests for information to formal investigations and potential removal from the ACSP register.
- Professional Standards – You’ll need to maintain the professional standards expected of ACSPs, which go beyond just ticking the right boxes. This includes acting with integrity, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring your verification procedures are robust and consistently applied.
- Anti-Money Laundering – While you may already be subject to AML requirements through your professional body, becoming an ACSP may bring additional obligations. You’ll need to ensure your customer due diligence procedures align with both your existing AML requirements and the specific standards expected of ACSPs.
- Data Protection – Handling personal identity information brings significant data protection responsibilities. You’ll need to ensure you’re complying with UK GDPR requirements, including having lawful bases for processing, implementing appropriate security measures, and managing data subject rights.
- Insurance & Liability – It’s worth reviewing your professional indemnity insurance to make sure it covers your activities as an ACSP. The risks involved in identity verification are somewhat different from traditional accountancy or legal work, and you want to make sure you’re properly covered.
Is Becoming an ACSP Worth It?
The question many professionals are grappling with is whether the investment required to become an ACSP is worth it. The answer depends on several factors specific to your business and client base.
- Revenue Opportunities – Identity verification services could become a new revenue stream for your business. As more companies need to verify directors’ identities, there’s likely to be steady demand for these services. The key is pricing your services appropriately to reflect the costs and risks involved.
- Client Retention – If you currently file documents with Companies House on behalf of clients, you may need ACSP status to continue offering this service in the future. For many firms, this isn’t really a choice – it’s essential for maintaining their existing business model.
- Competitive Advantage – Being an early adopter could give you a competitive edge, particularly if other firms in your area are slower to adapt. Clients who need identity verification services may naturally gravitate towards providers who are already set up and experienced.
- Market Positioning – ACSP status could enhance your professional credentials and demonstrate your commitment to high standards of due diligence and compliance. This could be valuable when pitching for new work or differentiating yourself from competitors.
However, you also need to weigh up the costs and risks:
- Setup Costs – The initial investment in systems, training, and processes could be substantial, particularly for smaller firms. You’ll need to factor in not just the immediate costs, but also ongoing maintenance and compliance costs.
- Liability Risks – Taking on responsibility for identity verification brings new risks. If you get it wrong, the consequences could be serious – both for your clients and for your business.
- Regulatory Burden – The additional compliance requirements could be time-consuming and costly to manage, particularly if you’re operating with limited resources.
What's Coming Next
The ACSP system is just the beginning of a broader transformation of Companies House and UK company law. Understanding what’s coming next can help you prepare your business for the changes ahead.
- Expanded Filing Requirements – While identity verification is the immediate focus, the requirement for ACSP status is likely to expand to cover other types of filings in the future. This means that eventually, any third-party provider who files documents on behalf of companies may need to be an ACSP.
- Enhanced Scrutiny – Companies House is investing heavily in new technology and systems to scrutinise filings more closely. This could mean more queries, more requests for additional information, and more rigorous checks on the accuracy of filed information.
- International Coordination – The UK’s moves towards greater corporate transparency are part of a broader international trend. We’re likely to see increased coordination between different jurisdictions and potentially reciprocal recognition of verification systems.
- Technology Evolution – The identity verification landscape is evolving rapidly, with new technologies like digital identity wallets and blockchain-based verification systems on the horizon. ACSPs will need to stay abreast of these developments and potentially adapt their systems accordingly.
Is ACSP Right for Your Business?
Deciding whether to become an ACSP isn’t something you should rush into. It requires careful consideration of your business model, client needs, resources, and risk appetite.
Start by auditing your current services and client base. How many of your clients are likely to need identity verification services? How much of your revenue currently comes from Companies House filings? Are your competitors moving towards ACSP status?
Next, assess your capacity for change. Do you have the resources to invest in new systems and training? Can your team adapt to new procedures and compliance requirements? How would becoming an ACSP fit with your other business priorities?
Consider the timing as well. While only ACSPs that plan to provide IDV services are required to register at this time, in the future, third-party providers who plan to file information on behalf of others will also need to register as ACSPs. You might choose to wait until you absolutely need ACSP status, or you might prefer to get ahead of the curve.
Finally, think about your long-term business strategy. Is becoming an ACSP aligned with where you want your business to go? Could it open up new opportunities or help you serve your clients better?
Getting Started
If you’ve decided that becoming an ACSP makes sense for your business, here’s how to get the ball rolling:
- Check Your Eligibility – Make sure you meet all the requirements before starting the application process. If you’re unsure about anything, seek advice from your professional body or a specialist adviser.
- Verify Your Identity – If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to verify your own identity with Companies House before you can apply to become an ACSP.
- Prepare Your Documentation – Gather all the information and documents you’ll need for your application. This includes proof of your professional status, AML supervision, and business details.
- Invest in Systems – Start planning your technology requirements and consider what systems you’ll need to verify identities and maintain records properly.
- Train Your Team – Make sure everyone who’ll be involved in identity verification understands the requirements and procedures.
- Review Your Insurance – Check that your professional indemnity insurance covers your activities as an ACSP.
- Apply Online – Once everything is in place, submit your application through the Companies House online service.
Conclusion
The introduction of ACSPs represents a fundamental shift in how UK company formation and filing works. For professional service providers, it’s both a challenge and an opportunity – a chance to take on new responsibilities and potentially develop new revenue streams, but also a requirement to invest in new systems and navigate additional compliance obligations.
The key to success will be preparation. The firms that start planning now, invest in the right systems, and take the time to understand the requirements properly will be best positioned to thrive in the new environment. Those that wait until the last minute or try to cut corners may find themselves struggling to keep up.
Whether you’re an accountant who’s been filing company documents for decades or a solicitor who occasionally helps clients set up new businesses, the ACSP system is likely to affect you in some way. The question isn’t whether change is coming – it’s already here. The question is whether you’re ready for it.
The transformation of Companies House is part of a broader effort to clean up the UK’s corporate landscape and make it harder for criminals to hide behind shell companies. As a professional service provider, you have the opportunity to play a crucial role in this effort while building new capabilities for your business. But it requires commitment, investment, and careful planning to get it right.
The ACSP system may feel daunting at first, but it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism, enhance your credentials, and potentially expand your service offering. The firms that embrace these changes and see them as opportunities rather than just compliance burdens are likely to be the ones that come out ahead in the long run.
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