Understanding the Identity Verification Process by Companies House - One Year On

Introduction

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023 and marks a significant shift in the UK's approach to corporate governance. The ECCTA has fundamentally transformed the Companies House Register, introducing a range of changes that will impact every company listed.

One of the most important reforms under the Act was the introduction of an identity verification process designed to combat misuse of companies for illegal activities. This means that anyone involved in the establishment, operation, ownership, or control of a UK company is required to verify their identity.

Voluntary verification began on 8 April 2025, and 18 November 2025 marked the beginning of compulsory verification, with a 12-month transition period.

If you advise companies or engage with Companies House filings, this informative webinar is tailored to provide you with a clear overview of the changes and what they mean for you and your clients.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Why identity verification is being introduced
• Timeline (including the delay to the planned Spring 2026 introduction of compulsory identity verification for presenters)
• ‘Changes to UK company law’ website (and other tips to remain up to date)
• Who will need to verify their identity? (including complex topics such as directors of UK establishments and Registrable Relevant Legal Entities)
• How to verify your own identity - including a breakdown of the three methods available and the documents required
• Verification when appointing a director or identifying a PSC - a process map and timelines for existing directors and PSCs
• Summarising who can file documents at Companies House
• Verification via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) (including how to become an ACSP, including registration process and costs)
• Legal requirements of the role of ACSP and consequences of failure to comply
• How an ACSP can meet the verification standards for their clients
• Clarification as to the key differences for verification for anti-money laundering checks and identity verification

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Tuesday 17th November 2026

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 2,400+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.