Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) will play an important role in how businesses continue to interact with Companies House. They will help confirm identities and protect the public register from misuse. Over time, most third-party agents will also need to operate under this framework.
What are ACSPs?
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a person or business approved to file information and verify identities for Companies House. ACSPs act on behalf of clients and support the accuracy and reliability of the public register.
ACSPs are also called Companies House authorised agents. These agents submit documents and, where relevant, confirm that identity checks meet the required standards.
Typical ACSPs include:
- Accountants
- Solicitors
- Company formation agents
- Chartered secretaries
- Governance professionals
These professionals already operate in regulated environments. Most carry out Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks as part of their normal work. The ACSP role builds on this foundation by adding direct oversight from Companies House. However, they must register with Companies House as an ACSP to continue offering these services legally.
What is the Need for ACSPs?
The introduction of ACSPs supports the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This legislation aims to reduce economic crime and prevent the misuse of UK companies.
Companies House holds information that people rely on every day. Lenders, suppliers, investors, regulators and members of the public all use this data. However, Companies House has not always known who submitted certain filings or whether those filings served a lawful purpose.
ACSPs help close this gap. They support Companies House by:
- Confirming who files information on the public register
- Supporting identity verification for directors and People with Significant Control
- Reducing the risk of false, misleading or fraudulent filings
- Improving data sharing between regulators and supervisory bodies
As a result, the register becomes more accurate and more transparent, while being easier to trust.
Who Needs to Register as an ACSP?
At present, registration only applies to agents who plan to verify identities for Companies House. This includes professionals who want to complete identity checks on behalf of their clients.
However, this will change.
From no earlier than November 2026, any third-party that files information on behalf of clients must register as an ACSP. This requirement will apply even if the agent does not offer identity verification services.
Registration will apply to:
- Sole traders who file for clients
- Limited companies and partnerships
- Directors filing for multiple businesses
- Employees submitting filings on behalf of others
- Software providers that submit information for clients
After this date, Companies House may reject filings from agents that are not registered.
Requirements to Become an ACSP
To register an an ACSP, a business must meet the defined standards.
The business must:
- Be supervised by a UK Anti-Money Laundering supervisory body
- Hold a valid AML membership or reference number
- Provide complete and accurate business information
There are 25 recognised AML supervisory bodies in the UK. Companies House will check the details provided against these bodies during the registration process.
A senior person must complete the application. This can be a director, partner or sole trader. That individual must also complete an identity verification as part of the process.
The registration process includes:
- Supplying business and contact details
- Providing AML supervision information
- Completing identity verification checks
- Paying a one-off £63 registration fee (up from £55 since 1 February 2026)
Once approved, the business receives a digital ACSP account and a unique ACSP identity number. This number links future filings and identity checks to an authorised source.
Using Your ACSP Account
The ACSP account allows authorised agents to manage filings and identity checks in one secure place. It also allows businesses to control who can access these services.
An account owner can add employees or colleagues to the account. These users do not need to complete separate identity checks. Each user receives a role with specific permissions. They also do not need to complete a separate identity verification.
The available roles include:
- Account owners who manage the account details and all users
- Administrators who can add and remove users
- Standard users who can file information and verify identities
This structure allows businesses to manage access and reduce risk.
Identity Verification and ACSPs
ACSPs can verify identities for Companies House only. This verification does not apply to other government services or departments. The checks must meet the Companies House identity verification standard. These checks differ from standard AML customer due diligence checks.
When an ACSP verifies someone’s identity, they must:
- Review approved identity documents
- Record the checks carried out
- Confirm the verification to Companies House
- Keep records for at least seven years
Companies House may request these records at any time.
Legal Responsibilities and Compliance
ACSPS must meet ongoing legal duties once registered.
They must:
- Remain registered with at least one AML supervisory body
- Update Companies House within 14 days of any changes
- Provide information when requested
- Keep identity verification records for seven years
If an agent fails to meet these duties, Companies House can take enforcement action.
Possible enforcement action includes:
- Monetary penalties
- Criminal prosecution
- Suspension of ACSP status
- Permanent removal from the register
During a suspension, the agent cannot file information or verify identities. Companies House may also require individuals to complete identity checks again.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. While we aim to keep our content up to date and accurate, UK tax laws and regulations are subject to change. Please speak to an accountant or tax professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Pi Accountancy accepts no responsibility for any issues arising from reliance on the information provided.