Authorised Corporate Service Providers – what you need to know!

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023) intends to enhance the transparency of corporate structures with an aim to reduce economic crime.

The Registrar of Companies, are provided with broader powers to query filed information, request further information, and remove certain filings. Additionally, ECCTA 2023 will enhance the Companies House identity verification process required for directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) to further strengthen the integrity of UK corporate structures.

If you or your organisation files on behalf of registered entities, to continue to do so, you will need to register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

ACSPs are also referred to as ‘Companies House authorised agents’ who can verify the identities of others as well as file information about their company on their behalf. On the Companies House website, there is now an ‘apply to register as a Companies House authorised agent’ service, meaning any third-party provider who intends to submit information on behalf of another can register.

As of 18 March 2025, any third-party provider who intends to carry out identity verification checks, will need to register, or have key personnel register as an ACSP. It comes later on, from spring 2026, when third-party providers must be an ACSP to submit any filings on behalf of another entity.

ACSPs must comply with the following:

1. To qualify as an ACSP, the individual must be registered with one or more recognised supervisory bodies, for example the SRA. ACCA;
2. if there has been a change to any information which Companies House holds about the ACSP, the ACSP must notify the Registrar of Companies within 14 days; and
3. the ACSP must keep records of all identity checks for at least 7 years.

It should also be noted that Companies House may request further information which can concern:

• the ACSP’s filing;
• identity checks; and
• proof the ACSP is complying with their legal obligations.

The Government website provides a full list of supervisory bodies within the UK: https://www.gov.uk/anti-money-laundering-registration.

Non-compliance with legal requirements may be regarded as an offence which can result in fines or criminal prosecution. The account of the ACSP may also be suspended or stopped completely, preventing your from submitting documents or verifying identity.

To register a business as an ACSP, you must hold a senior role, for example, director partner, or member. You will be required to complete an identity verification process as part of your application and there will also be a £55 application fee. Once registered as an ACSP, you will be given a new digital account whereby you can submit and file your client’s required documentation, along with verifying their identity.

Once registered as an ACSP, others can be added to your ‘network’, who will then be able to file documentation and verify the identity of others. If you have any queries in relation to ACSPs, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the corporate team.