Important Update: New Companies House Rules - What They Mean for You and How We're Heping

Important Update: New Companies House Rules - What They Mean for You and How We're Heping


At gHawk Accounting, we monitor legislative changes closely so that you don’t have to. One of the most significant updates to company compliance in recent years has just begun rolling out: the new Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) regime under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.


If you’re a company director, business owner, or person with significant control (PSC), these changes will affect how information about your company is filed with Companies House.


🔍 What Is an ACSP?


An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a regulated third-party service provider like an accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent authorised to:


  • Verify identities of directors and PSCs,
  • File documents on behalf of companies with Companies House.


To become an ACSP, the firm must be:

  • Supervised for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) purposes by an approved UK body (e.g. ICAEW, ACCA),
  • Registered with Companies House,
  • Responsible for verifying the identity of clients they file on behalf of.


Once registered, the provider gets an agent account, enabling them to manage filings and delegate tasks to authorised staff.


🗓 Key Dates and Deadlines You Need to Know


18 March 2025

ACSP registration service goes live. Firms can now register to verify identities.


8 April 2025

Identity verification becomes available via Companies House or registered ACSPs (voluntary phase).


Autumn 2025

Identity verification becomes mandatory for all new directors and PSCs at appointment or incorporation. Existing officers have a 12-month transition period.


Spring 2026

A registered ACSP must do all third-party filings (e.g. accounts, confirmation statements, incorporation).


👥 How This Affects You as Our Client


✅ Existing Clients (Ongoing Accounts/Filings)
  • No immediate action is required.
  • You can continue working with us as normal until spring 2026, as long as we are not verifying identities.
  • If identity verification is needed earlier (e.g. you appoint a new director), we will handle this seamlessly for you.


🆕 New Incorporations or Appointments
  • From autumn 2025, identity verification becomes mandatory for all new directors and PSCs.
  • We will be able to verify these identities on your behalf—but only if we are a registered ACSP, which we are actively appl solution ying for.


📄 Future Filings (Spring 2026 Onwards)
  • After spring 2026, an ACSP must submit all documents filed on your behalfincluding accounts, confirmation statements, and changes to company details.
  • We are preparing in advance so we can continue to offer you a full-service compliance without interruption.


💼 What You Need to Do

For now, there’s no urgent action required from most clients. However, it’s important to be prepared:


  1. Stay informed – We’ll keep you updated on what’s required and when.
  2. Work with a registered ACSP – We are in the process of registering, ensuring you remain compliant as the new rules come into force.
  3. Engage early for new incorporations – If you plan to set up a new company in autumn 2025, speak to us early so we can handle the required identity checks.


🤝 How gHawk Accounting Is Supporting You

We’re taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition for all our clients:


✅ We are registering as an ACSP – so you can continue filing through us without worry.


✅ Our team is undergoing training in the new identity verification process.


✅ Engagement letters will be updated to reflect the additional compliance requirements.


✅ We will notify you in advance if any changes to your company filings require identity verification.


✅ You’ll continue to receive the same high standard of support and peace of mind that your filings are secure and compliant.


📝 Final Thoughts

This is a positive move by Companies House to improve the integrity of the public register and prevent misuse by verifying who is behind UK companies. By working with a registered ACSP like gHawk Accounting, you’ll benefit from:


  • Simplified compliance,
  • Secure identity verification,
  • Ongoing support from a trusted professional team.


If you have any questions about how this change may impact your business, or if you’re planning to appoint a new director or set up a new company in the coming months, contact us.


We’re here to make the transition smooth and hassle-free.