From Spring 2025, if you file information or verify the identity of clients for Companies House, you may need to register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
What is an ACSP?
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a person or business authorised to verify identities and file information on behalf of clients with Companies House. These agents ensure that company filings are legitimate and that identify verification processes also meet the required legal standards.
ACSPs include those already performing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, such as:
- Accountants
- Solicitors
- Company formation agents
- Chartered secretaries
- Governance professionals
As of March 2025, these professionals must register with Companies House as ACSPs to continue offering these services legally. They must also be supervised by one of the 25 UK-recognised AML supervisory bodies to qualify.
What is the Need for ACSPs?
The introduction of Authorised Corporate Service Providers forms part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This legislation aims to address fraud and false company registrations.
- ACSPs verify identities before any submission which helps Companies House maintain reliable and accurate information
- Identifying who is filing documents makes it easier to deduct and stop suspicious or fraudulent activity
- ACSPs allow secure sharing of data between regulatory bodies and Companies House
Who Needs to Register as an ACSP?
You must register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider if:
- You plan to verify client identities from 18th March 2025
- You file information on behalf of others from Spring 2026
This includes:
- Sole traders
- Company directors or officers
- Employees filing for multiple businesses
- Software providers submitting data for clients
Failure to register as an ACSP could result in penalties, including bans and fines.
How to Register as an ACSP
You can apply online now that the registration service is open. Follow these steps:
1. Confirm AML Supervision – A UK AML supervisory body must supervise you and provide your membership number
2. Submit Required Details – Provide your business name, registered address, contact information and AML details
3. Complete Identity Verification – Senior individuals such as directors or sole traders must verify their identity
4. Pay the Registration Fee – A one-time £55 fee is required
Once approved, you will receive a digital ACSP account and a unique identification number.
Using Your ACSP Account
Your account allows you to efficiently manage services for your clients. After registration, you can:
- Add employees or team members to your account
- File company documents such as Confirmation Statements
- Perform identity verification checks and notify Companies House
User roles include:
- Account Owner who have full access and user manager
- Administrator who can manage users but not account settings
- Standard User who can file and verify but not manage other users
Added staff do not need to complete separate identity checks.
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