Companies House has published a new blog post outlining the new registration requirements for Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs), which includes law firms and company formation agents. ACSPs will be required to register with Companies House before making filings on behalf of companies. The requirements for ACSPs are being introduced alongside the enhanced identity verification regime for companies introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The objective behind requiring third party agents to register their businesses is to enable Companies House to confidently identify who is making filings on the register and acting on behalf of companies. Companies House will also be able to quickly identify when an agent may not be acting with a lawful purpose and will be able to take action when necessary to effectively protect lawful businesses and the public.

Companies House has updated its transition plan for implementing the provisions of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023), postponing the spring 2026 due date for presenter measures until no earlier than November 2026. This postponement aims to prioritise the completion of the identity verification transition period for directors and persons with significant control while affording additional time to address stakeholder feedback. The revised transition plan outlines an indicative timeline for the commencement of key provisions of the Act, which received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023.

Companies House has updated its transition plan for implementing the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023), revising the implementation timetable by confirming that the accounts reform measures will come into effect from April 2028 and postponing presenter measures from no earlier than November 2026 to no earlier than November 2027. The delayed presenter measures include mandatory identity verification for presenters and the requirement for third-party agents filing on behalf of companies to register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers. Companies House states that it will provide at least six months' notice before these measures take effect.

Companies House has published its 2026–27 Business Plan and accompanying statement of priorities, setting out measures to strengthen the integrity of the UK companies register and implement reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. It confirmed that implementation of identity verification requirements, enhanced scrutiny of company filings and broader use of its enforcement powers would form central elements of its regulatory programme to address misuse of the register and combat economic crime. Companies House also outlined plans to modernise digital services, improve cyber security and operational resilience and enhance data-sharing with law enforcement and government bodies. It states that these reforms are intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of company data, support economic growth, increase transparency and provide more efficient services for businesses and other users of the register.

Companies House has published its Business Plan for 2024 to 2025, covering April 2024 to March 2025. This plan details Companies House’s strategic goals, key activities, targets, and financial forecasts.

Companies House has published its draft Identity Verification rules, in exercise of the power conferred by regulation 5 of the Registrar (Identity Verification and Authorised Corporate Service Providers) Regulations 2024. The rules set out the requirements for applicants providing contact information, personal information and types of evidence when applying for verification of their identity, and the additional steps an applicant must take in order for their application to be determined. The draft includes two Schedules which list the approved evidence for identity verification by the Registrar and by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider respectively. The rules help to establish a standardised and consistent approach to identity verification for individuals interacting with Companies House.

Companies House has published an equality impact assessment of its identity verification service and Registrar verification routes. The assessment examines the impact of verification requirements on directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and equivalent officers. It finds that verification routes are accessible to majority of users however may adversely affect certain individuals. These include those differentiated by age, disability, race or nationality, religion or belief, gender reassignment and marriage or civil partnership. The assessment identifies several risks including digital exclusion, accessibility barriers, lack of suitable identity documents, limitations relating to overseas documents, objections to technology use and issues linked to changes in name or appearance.

Companies House has published its first strategic intelligence assessment to enhance the agency's understanding of key threats and guide its approach to dealing with them. The 'Companies House intelligence assessment' report forms part of its work to more closely align to the National Intelligence Model and will underpin the work of the new and expanding intelligence team. It will be followed by its control strategy, which will outline recommendations and action plans.

Companies House has published guidance on requesting an additional extension to the identity verification deadline for a person with significant control (PSC). This process applies only where the PSC has already received two previous extensions through the 'Provide identity verification details for a person with significant control' service. The request must be submitted before the current deadline expires and must include the PSC’s full registered name, the relevant company number, a justification for the extension, and up to two pieces of supporting evidence, such as proof of pending identity documents, confirmation of a scheduled Post Office verification, medical documentation, evidence of technical difficulties, or confirmation of a correction to company records. Each request is reviewed by an examiner, and if accepted, the PSC’s verification deadline will be extended by up to 14 days beyond the existing date; if rejected, the original deadline remains in force. Failure to comply within the applicable timeframe constitutes a legal offence, and Companies House will issue a default letter outlining the relevant breaches. All decisions are made at the registrar’s discretion.

Companies House has published three guidance documents on the registration process and role of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) and meeting identity verification standards. The first document provides guidance on using Companies House’s service to register as an ACSP (also known as a Companies House authorised agent), with registration applications opening on 25 February 2025. The second document clarifies the role of an ACSP. The third document outlines how to meet Companies House’s identity verification standard when verifying someone’s identity. Notably, ACSPs will be able to report completed identity verifications to Companies House from 25 March 2025 and file on behalf of clients starting in spring 2026.

Companies House has published guidance on how to complete identity verification at Post Office branches that provide in-branch verification. The process involves six steps, starting with individuals entering their photo ID details online using the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House service’ and downloading their Post Office customer letter. They must then visit a participating Post Office branch with their letter and original photo ID, where staff will scan a QR code on the letter, take a photo of the individual and scan their ID. Individuals are required to visit the Post Office within approximately 15 days of receiving their confirmation email. Results are emailed to individuals from GOV.UK One Login, typically within one day, and successful verification generates a Companies House personal code, accessible through their Companies House account. The service is free of charge and forms part of Companies House’s wider identity verification requirements.

Companies House has published a guidance document, outlining how it will exercise its enforcement powers to issue financial penalties. The guidance covers several topics, including when Companies House can issue penalties, how these penalties are calculated, the process associated with appealing a penalty, the consequences of failing to pay a penalty, as well as how to avoid a penalty, among other aspects. This document should be read in conjunction with the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (Financial Penalty) Regulations 2024, SI 2024/445.