This post was originally published on Finextra (Security)
Today (8 April 2025) sees the launch of a new service that allows individuals to verify their identity directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login. People can also verify their identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This landmark legislation gave Companies House new and enhanced powers to help disrupt economic crime and support economic growth.
Identity verification will provide more assurance about who is setting up, running, owning and controlling companies in the UK. There will be the same level of assurance whether individuals are verifying their identity directly with Companies House or through an ACSP.
Companies House CEO Louise Smyth CBE said:
Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.
To save time later, we encourage directors, people with significant control of companies (PSCs) and those filing information with Companies House to verify their identity during the voluntary window.
We expect identity verification to become mandatory from autumn 2025.
To reduce the burden on business, the identity verification requirement for existing directors
— Read the rest of this post, which was originally published on Finextra (Security).
