Recent changes to UK company law have introduced a new class of regulated intermediary – the Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), designed to improve transparency and reduce corporate fraud.
At Paul Beare, we are proud to operate as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), meaning we’re approved to verify the identity of clients and file information directly with Companies House under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
But what does that mean for you as a client and how do the new identity verification (IDV) requirements affect your company setup or filings?
1. Why Companies House introduced ID verification
For years, UK company registration was quick – but sometimes too quick. As a result, fraudulent company formations, misuse of corporate identities and opaque ownership structures became increasing concerns.
According to Companies House, over 750,000 new companies are incorporated annually and in a small but significant number of cases, false or misleading data can make its way onto the public register.
To address this, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) now requires that all directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and individuals filing on behalf of companies have their identity verified.
2. What is an ACSP and why it matters who performs your ID check
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a regulated intermediary (typically an accountant, company formation agent, or business advisor) who is authorised to carry out these new ID verification checks on behalf of clients.
To gain ACSP status, a firm must already fall under the UK Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) and demonstrate compliant processes for due diligence, record-keeping, and anti-fraud safeguards.
When you work with Paul Beare, we’re able to complete verification quickly and securely using our existing Know Your Client (KYC) framework, saving you the hassle of verifying directly through Companies House.
3. What the IDV process looks like
When we verify your identity as part of the incorporation or filing process, here’s what you can expect:
- Digital ID capture – You’ll be asked to securely upload a passport, driving licence, or other accepted photo ID.
- Liveness / likeness check – You’ll need to take a selfie or short video, matched electronically to your ID document.
- Verification confirmation – Once matched, Companies House receives a confirmation code from us, confirming your verification is complete.
- Record retention – As an ACSP, we maintain secure records of your verification for compliance purposes under the Money Laundering Regulations.
This system is designed to be simple for clients but robust enough to prevent false filings and identity fraud – helping to protect you, your business and the UK corporate register as a whole.
4. What this means for existing and new clients
If you’re an existing client of Paul Beare, you’ll likely have already completed some form of KYC check with us in line with our AML obligations. However, under the new ACSP framework, Companies House requires these checks to be formally recorded and referenced through the central IDV system.
For new company formations or director appointments, you’ll need to complete this verification before the registration or filing can be accepted.
For ongoing clients, we’ll handle the process proactively to ensure all your filings remain compliant once the new Companies House portal goes live.
5. Why it’s good news for UK business transparency
These changes are part of a broader modernisation effort by Companies House to ensure UK corporate data is trusted globally.
The goal is simple: to make the UK a safer, more transparent place to do business while streamlining legitimate filings through approved intermediaries like us.
The ID verification step helps eliminate fraudulent directorships, ensures accuracy in company records and gives greater confidence to banks, investors and international regulators reviewing UK entities.
The move to require identity verification isn’t just about compliance, it’s about credibility, trust and modernisation.
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, Paul Beare ensures that your company meets all new requirements swiftly, securely and seamlessly.
If you’re forming a new UK entity, adding directors or managing ongoing Companies House submissions, our team will guide you through the IDV process step-by-step, ensuring compliance without complication.
Need help with ID verification or company filings?
Get in touch with the Paul Beareteam – your trusted Authorised Corporate Service Provider for clear, compliant support.
- Written by: Paul Beare
- Posted on: October 22, 2025
- Tags: Authorised Corporate Service Provider, feature