ACSP Guidance

What is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a business or individual registered with Companies House to file on behalf of UK companies. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), most firms that provide company formation services, file documents for clients, or act as registered office providers will be required to register as ACSPs if they want to keep filing on behalf of clients once the new rules take full effect in spring 2026.

If your accountancy practice incorporates companies, files confirmation statements, or submits annual accounts on behalf of clients, you're likely required to register as an ACSP. The regime applies to UK-based firms and extends to anyone acting on behalf of a company in dealings with Companies House.

ACSP registration becomes mandatory for firms filing on behalf of companies from spring 2026. Firms that continue to file without ACSP registration after that date face penalties, and Companies House has the power to reject filings submitted by unregistered agents. Registration is currently available voluntarily for firms preparing for the transition.

Why the ACSP regime was introduced

The UK government introduced the ACSP regime to improve transparency and reduce the misuse of UK corporate structures for economic crime. For years, Companies House accepted filings with minimal checks. Bad actors exploited this system to create shell companies, launder money, and obscure beneficial ownership.

ACSPs are now gatekeepers. By requiring registration, supervision, and identity verification, the regime aims to ensure that only legitimate, accountable firms can act on behalf of companies. Accountants and formation agents are expected to apply higher standards when incorporating companies or filing on behalf of clients.

This shift brings the UK closer to anti-money laundering standards already common in other jurisdictions. It also aligns corporate service providers with the broader AML-supervised sector.

ACSP identity verification responsibilities

One of the most significant obligations for ACSPs is identity verification. Identity verification for new directors and PSCs became compulsory from 18 November 2025, with a 12-month transition period for existing directors and PSCs to complete verification. When you incorporate a company, appoint a director, or register a person with significant control (PSC), you must verify the identity of that individual before telling Companies House.

The verification must meet the Companies House identity verification standard. This means checking a valid identity document (such as a passport or driving licence), confirming the person's appearance through biometric verification, and keeping evidence of the check for 7 years from the date of verification.

You cannot rely solely on existing AML checks unless they meet the specific standard set by Companies House. Many accountants find this frustrating because they already perform customer due diligence under Money Laundering Regulations. However, the ACSP identity verification rules are distinct and more prescriptive.

The verification applies to directors, PSCs, and other individuals you're filing for. It also applies when you act as an authorised agent for someone else's filing. You're responsible for ensuring the person is who they claim to be before you submit anything to Companies House on their behalf.

What records you must keep

ACSPs must maintain detailed records of every identity verification check. These records must be stored securely and made available to your AML supervisory authority or Companies House on request.

At a minimum, you need to keep evidence of the identity document checked, proof of the biometric verification (such as a selfie and liveness check), the date of the check, the name of the person verified, and details of the IDV provider or process used.

You also need to document your decision-making. If a verification fails or if you decide not to proceed with a filing, you should record why. If you rely on an external identity verification provider, you remain accountable for the quality and compliance of that check.

Records must be kept for 7 years from the date of verification. This is longer than some firms' standard document retention policies, so you may need to update your internal procedures.

What Companies House expects from ACSPs

Companies House expects ACSPs to act with integrity and apply consistent standards. You're not just a filing agent—you're a regulated intermediary responsible for the accuracy and legitimacy of what you submit.

If you submit false or misleading information, or if you fail to verify identities properly, Companies House can investigate. In serious cases, they can suspend or remove your ACSP registration. Your AML supervisor can also take action if your identity verification processes are inadequate.

You're expected to have systems in place to prevent errors and detect fraud. This includes knowing your clients, understanding the purpose of filings, and questioning anything that looks unusual. If a client refuses to provide identity documents or pressures you to file quickly without proper checks, those are red flags.

Companies House has also introduced new powers to query and reject filings. If they suspect a problem, they can ask you to provide evidence or justification. ACSPs who respond promptly and transparently are less likely to face enforcement action.

Common mistakes accountants make

Many accountants underestimate the identity verification requirements. Assuming that a video call or a copy of a passport is enough is a common error. The standard requires biometric verification and liveness detection, which means most informal checks don't comply.

Another mistake is assuming existing AML checks automatically satisfy ACSP requirements. While there's overlap, the ACSP identity verification standard is more specific. You need to ensure your process aligns with what Companies House expects, not just what your AML supervisor accepts.

Some firms also fail to plan for record retention. Storing evidence packs in email inboxes or relying on third-party platforms without a clear data retention agreement creates compliance risk. You need a documented process for how long data is kept, where it's stored, and who can access it.

Finally, many accountants register as ACSPs but don't update their client onboarding procedures. If you continue filing for clients without performing the required identity checks, you're exposed to enforcement action even if you're registered.

How ACSPverify supports ACSP compliance

ACSPverify is designed specifically for UK accountants and corporate service providers who need to meet the ACSP identity verification standard without the complexity of a full AML platform.

We handle the technical requirements—document verification, biometric checks, liveness detection—so you don't need to build or manage that infrastructure yourself. You create a subject (director, PSC, or filer), send them a secure link, and they complete the check on their own device. You get a clear summary of the results, aligned to the Companies House standard.

We act as a data processor, which means you remain the data controller and stay in charge of compliance decisions. You can download evidence packs and store them according to your own retention policies. We don't lock you into long-term contracts or charge subscriptions—you pay only for the checks you run.

ACSPverify doesn't replace your AML processes. It complements them by giving you a fast, compliant way to verify identities when you need to file with Companies House. It's built for firms who want to meet their ACSP obligations without over-engineering their compliance stack.