Authorised Corporate Service Providers
As part of the implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023, from 18 March 2025 those filing on behalf of others at Companies House will need to register themselves as an Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).
ACSPs are individuals or organisations that undertake anti-money laundering (AML) supervised activity, such as: company formation agents, solicitors, and accountants.
From 18 March 2025, third-party providers who will be carrying out identity checks on behalf of clients for Companies House will need to register their business as an ACSP. In the future, businesses will also need to register to be able to file on behalf of clients.
Becoming an ACSP
To become an ACSP, agents must be supervised within the UK by one of the relevant Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory bodies, such as: HMRC, FCA or SRA.
Registering as an ACSP with Companies House
If you hold a senior role within the business, such as a director or sole trader, you’ll need to complete a registration process to register your business as an ACSP.
From 18 March 2025, you can apply to become an ACSP using our new ‘Apply to register as a Companies House authorised agent’ service.
Once registered, you’ll be provided with a new digital account and unique identity number. This will allow you to file information and complete identity verification for your clients. The person registering the business as an ACSP can add other people who work for the business to the authorised agent account once it’s registered and approved.
What Happens if an Agent Does Not Comply with Legal Requirements
The agent will be committing an offence if they do not comply with legal requirements. This means the sole trader, or all company directors (or equivalent) could receive a fine or face criminal prosecution.
We may also suspend or cease (stop) the authorised agent’s status. This would prevent the agent from being able to file or verify people’s identities for Companies House.
Conclusion
It will be necessary for companies who file on behalf of third party companies to register themselves with Companies House as soon as possible.
This requirement is further regulation introduced that professional service providers need to be aware of, which comes with consequences from a failure to comply. Will this increased regulation result in higher fees for clients given the higher risk lawyers, accountants or IPs are expected to take on.
Source: changestoukcompanylaw.campaign.gov.uk