Companies House Identity Verification — ECCTA 2023
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 mandates that all UK company directors and PSCs verify their identity through Companies House or an ACSP. Non-compliance carries criminal prosecution.
The law creating this problem
The ECCTA 2023 represents the most significant reform to Companies House in its history. For the first time, identity verification is mandatory for all new and existing company directors and persons with significant control. Verification must be conducted through Companies House directly or through an Authorized Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Failure to verify carries criminal liability — not just civil penalties. New company incorporations will be rejected outright if directors have not completed verification.
Who is affected
Every UK registered company, LLP, and their directors. Also affects company secretaries who manage filings, accountants who act as agents, and any Authorized Corporate Service Providers.
What currently exists
Companies House is still rolling out the verification infrastructure. Awareness among SME directors is very low. Most discover the requirement only when attempting to file annual returns or incorporate new entities.
What we're building
A readiness assessment that checks the verification status of your company's directors and PSCs against ECCTA requirements — identifying who needs to act and what the consequences of inaction are.
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Qualifying question
Are you a director, PSC, or company secretary of a UK registered company?
What happens after you sign up
This problem is still in the research phase. You will receive updates as we develop the diagnostic. Estimated availability: Q3 2026.