Companies House delays ACSP launch due to service glitch

Companies House has delayed the launch of its registration service for authorised corporate service providers (ACSPs), originally set for 25 February, due to technical issues requiring further testing. This service is crucial for accountancy firms and tax advisers, allowing them to register and perform identity verification under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA). While a revised launch date has not been provided, Companies House emphasized that updates will be shared once the system meets its operational standards.

The delay has sparked concerns, particularly about compliance deadlines. Under ECCTA, Companies House must verify the identity of individuals submitting company information, which can be done directly by company directors or through registered ACSPs. Ben Turner of CSS at LawDeb highlighted potential challenges for firms with numerous directors, warning that the identity verification process could become a bottleneck. With the autumn 2025 compliance deadline still in place, businesses are urging clarity to avoid last-minute compliance issues.

Looking ahead, significant regulatory changes will take effect, including enhanced scrutiny on company formations and stricter identity verification. By spring 2025, Companies House will have the authority to expedite the removal of fraudulent companies and enforce ACSP registration within the UK’s anti-money laundering framework. The major transformation begins in autumn 2025, introducing mandatory identity verification for new directors and a 12-month transition for existing directors and persons with significant control (PSCs). These measures aim to improve corporate transparency and prevent financial crime.