Companies House reform
ECCTAAlso called economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, companies House identity verification
Companies House reform is the overhaul of the UK company register under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. It gives the registrar powers to query and reject filings and requires directors and people with significant control to verify their identity. The aim is a register that firms can trust for due diligence.
How it works
Since 4 March 2024 the registrar can query information, remove false entries and require a registered email address and a lawful purpose statement. Since 18 November 2025 new directors and people with significant control must verify their identity before appointment, through GOV.UK One Login or an authorised corporate service provider. Existing directors and PSCs verify during a 12-month transition. Identity checks for people filing documents are delayed.
For banks and other regulated firms, a verified register improves the starting data for know your business checks. Analysts can see whether a director has a verified identity code. The register remains one source among several. UK money laundering rules still require firms to take their own risk-based steps on ownership and to report material discrepancies they find.
The rules
Reforms Companies House, adds identity verification for directors and PSCs, and gives the registrar powers to query and reject filings.
UK companies, LLPs, their officers and filersBrought in registrar powers to query and remove information, registered email addresses and lawful purpose statements on incorporation.
All UK companiesRequires identity verification before appointment for new directors and PSCs, with a 12-month transition for those already in post.
New and existing directors, LLP members and PSCsCommon questions
Who has to verify their identity at Companies House?
Directors, LLP members and people with significant control. New appointees have had to verify since 18 November 2025. Existing directors give their personal code with the company's next confirmation statement. Existing PSCs who are not directors do so within the first 14 days of their birth month.
When do filing agents need to be authorised?
Compulsory identity checks for people filing documents, and the rule that third-party agents register as authorised corporate service providers, have been delayed. Companies House has said it will give at least six months' notice.
Does a verified register remove the need for KYB checks?
No. Verified identities make register data more reliable, but regulated firms still assess ownership and control on a risk basis under the Money Laundering Regulations and report material discrepancies.
What other powers does the registrar have?
Since 4 March 2024 the registrar can query filings and request supporting evidence. It can also reject inconsistent documents and remove false or misleading information from the public register.
Our coverage
News and analysis on KYC and identity from RegTech Post.
Read the coverage →RegTech PostCompanies House ID Checks: A Step-by-Step Overview for UK CompaniesRead the article →RegTech PostBeneficial Ownership Explained: A Comprehensive Guide for VerificationRead the article →
