Understanding ACSP Registration under ECCTA: What You Need to Know

What this is: Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) are regulated professionals, such as formation agents, accountants or law firms, who can verify identities and submit company filings to Companies House under the new ECCTA rules.

What this means: From March 25, 2025, service providers can register as ACSPs to support clients with filings and identity checks. When identity verification becomes mandatory later in 2025, working with an ACSP will offer a faster, more reliable way to stay compliant.

The landscape of UK corporate governance is shifting, and one of the most significant changes comes courtesy of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). Designed to crack down on economic crime and boost transparency, this legislation is transforming how businesses interact with Companies House. A key part of this is the introduction of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs). Let’s dive into what ACSP registration means, who needs to do it, and how it fits into the broader ECCTA framework.

What is an ACSP?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is essentially a trusted partner of the Companies House in implementing controls laid out by ECCTA. Under the ECCTA, ACSPs are third-party providers such as law firms, company formation agents or accountants who are authorised to perform critical tasks like filing documents with the Companies House and verifying identities on behalf of their clients. This isn’t just a fancy title; it’s a role backed by strict requirements to ensure the information hitting the public register is accurate and legitimate. 

The ECCTA aims to stamp out fraudulent registrations (goodbye, Donald Duck directors!) and improve trust in the UK’s corporate ecosystem. ACSPs are critical to this mission, acting as gatekeepers to verify identities and ensure filings are above board.

Why ACSP Registration Matters?

Starting on March 25, 2025, Companies House has rolled out the ACSP registration process for any third-party service provider wanting to submit information or verify identities of clients on behalf of UK companies. 

The big shift comes later in Autumn 2025, when identity verification becomes mandatory for all directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) of new and existing companies. You’ll have two options: verify directly with Companies House or use an ACSP. For many, leaning on an ACSP will be the simpler, safer bet—especially if you’re juggling multiple filings or lack the technology to handle direct verification.

Who Can Register as an ACSP?

Not just anyone act as “ACSP” under ECCTA. To qualify, there are some strict criteria:

• AML Supervision: The applicant must already be supervised by a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) body—like the HMRC, Law Society or ACCA. This ensures they’re already in the habit of performing AML checks at the highest levels.
• Relevant Person Status: Under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, ACSPs need to be a “relevant person”—typically a business or individual offering trust, company, or professional services.
• Senior Oversight: Registration must be handled by a senior figure (e.g., a director), who’ll also need to verify their own identity.

Once approved, ACSPs can begin offering identity verification services to its clients who are directors or PSCs of a UK company. The voluntary identity verification process with the Companies House is expected to commence on April 08, 2025. 

ACSP Registration Process: What it entails

With the ACSP registration process underway, as a service provider, here is a list of things to bear in mind: 

1. Prep Work: Gather your AML supervisory body membership number and details about your business (e.g., registered name, sector). If your AML registration doesn’t match your Companies House details, sort that out first. Companies House has flagged that the majority of rejections for ACSP applications are on the grounds of incorrect AML supervision details or wrongful submissions without these details.
2. Application: A senior person submits the application via a new Companies House service. They’ll verify their own identity as part of the process.
3. Approval: Companies House checks your AML status and eligibility. If everything looks good, you’ll be authorised.
4. Ongoing Duties: As an ACSP, you’ll need to keep records of identity checks for at least 7 years, file accurate info, and stay compliant or risk suspension.
5. Continued Supervision: You will need to ensure that you are always supervised by at least one AML Supervisory body. 
6. Notification of change: ACSPs must tell the Companies House if there is any change to any of the information provided to them within 14 days.

What is the significance of ACSP?

For businesses, using an ACSP isn’t just about compliance—it’s about convenience. Incorporating a company? An ACSP can handle the paperwork and verify identities in one go. Got unverified directors? They can file on your behalf without you scrambling to verify everyone first. For limited partnerships (LPs), it’s even stricter—certain filings must go through an ACSP when the rules are announced. 

Plus, there’s the risk angle. Filing something inaccurate (even by mistake) could land you in trouble under ECCTA’s tougher rules. ACSPs, with their AML understanding and their well-established systems, can help you navigate those pitfalls.

Working with a reputable service company can simplify compliance with the new ECCTA requirements. Explore how Cogency Global as a registered ACSP can support you.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered, or relied upon, as legal advice.