Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

What it is, why Companies House introduced it, and why directors/PSCs might choose an ACSP to verify identity.

What is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a firm or individual, such as an accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent, who is authorised by Companies House to verify the identity of people involved with UK companies.

They are part of the UK Government’s reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which aim to improve the accuracy of company information, reduce fraud, and make the UK’s public register more reliable.

From 2025 onwards, directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and certain other company officers must verify their identity before they can act for a company or be registered at Companies House.

An ACSP can complete this verification process on your behalf and confirm to Companies House that your identity has been successfully checked.

Why Companies House introduced ACSPs

Companies House has introduced the Authorised Corporate Service Provider framework to help strengthen the integrity of the companies register and prevent misuse.

Here are the main reasons behind the change:

• Improving accuracy of the register – For years, the register included inaccurate, false, or incomplete information. Requiring verified identities helps Companies House ensure that only real, traceable individuals are linked to companies.

• Preventing fraud and money laundering – Criminals have used UK companies to hide their identity or disguise the ownership of assets. ACSPs are professionally supervised for anti-money-laundering compliance, so they must follow strict verification and record-keeping procedures.

• Raising professional standards – Only firms under approved anti-money-laundering supervision can become ACSPs. This ensures that verification is done by competent, regulated professionals.

• Accountability and transparency – Companies House will be able to see who carried out each verification. If an agent fails to meet the required standards, their authorisation can be revoked.

Together, these reforms are designed to make the register more trustworthy, helping honest businesses while making it harder for bad actors to operate anonymously.

What an ACSP does

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider acts as an intermediary between you and Companies House. Their responsibilities include:

• Registering with Companies House as an authorised agent.

• Performing identity verification checks on directors, PSCs, and other relevant individuals.

• Retaining secure records of the verification process.

• Submitting confirmation to Companies House that the identity has been verified.

• Responding to any follow-up queries or requests for further evidence.

The process is similar to a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) or anti-money-laundering check performed by banks and professional firms.

Why directors and PSCs may prefer to use an ACSP

Although Companies House provides a free online identity verification route, many directors and PSCs will prefer to pay a professional ACSP to handle the process for them.

Here are the main reasons:

1. Convenience and time savings

ACSPs manage the entire process for you — collecting documents, checking identity, and submitting everything to Companies House. This saves time and avoids the frustration of dealing with new government portals or potential technical issues.

2. Support for complex or international cases

The free Companies House system is designed for straightforward UK-based individuals with valid passports or driving licences.
Those who live overseas, lack suitable ID, or have name or document discrepancies may find it much easier to work with an ACSP who can handle manual checks, certified copies, and non-UK documentation.

3. Accessibility and flexibility

If you don’t have the required technology (such as a smartphone with a working camera) or you simply prefer to work directly with your accountant or company agent, an ACSP offers a practical and supported alternative.

4. Expert guidance and reduced risk of errors

Professionals who act as ACSPs are experienced in company law and filings. They can ensure your verification is completed correctly, reducing the risk of delays or rejection that might hold up important company changes.

5. Combined business services

Many ACSPs also provide company formation, registered office, accounts, and tax services. Having a single trusted adviser who can manage everything in one place can be much more efficient for directors and shareholders.

6. Assurance and professionalism

Using a regulated ACSP gives you peace of mind. They are monitored for compliance with anti-money-laundering rules, must follow strict data-handling standards, and are accountable for the checks they perform.

Typical costs and what to expect

While Companies House’s own verification route is free, ACSPs charge a professional fee for performing and submitting identity checks.

Fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether it’s an online or manual verification, and whether it’s combined with other services such as company formation or registered office.

In most cases, the cost is modest — and for many business owners, the convenience and assurance provided by a professional are well worth the expense.

Responsibilities when using an ACSP

If you’re using an ACSP:

• Always ensure they are officially registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

• Confirm they are under recognised anti-money-laundering supervision (for example, by a professional body such as ACCA, ICAEW or the Solicitors Regulation Authority).

• Ask for clear details of their fee, what documents are required, and how your data will be stored.

As an ACSP ourself, we must comply with Companies House rules, keep detailed records, and maintain our AML supervision status because failure to do so may lead to loss of our authorisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to verify their identity?
All company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and individuals who file information on behalf of a company must verify their identity with Companies House.

Can I verify my identity for free?
Yes. Companies House offers a free online verification service using a passport or UK photocard driving licence. However, many people prefer to use an ACSP for convenience or where they cannot complete the online process themselves.

What’s the difference between an ACSP and a normal agent?
An ACSP is specifically authorised by Companies House to carry out identity verification and must be under anti-money-laundering supervision. Ordinary company agents cannot perform or submit these verifications.

How long does verification take?
Most straightforward verifications through an ACSP are completed quickly — sometimes within the same day. More complex or manual cases may take longer, depending on document requirements.

Summary

The introduction of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) is one of the most significant modernisations of Companies House in decades.

It forms part of a wider strategy to create a more transparent and trustworthy register of companies and strengthen the UK’s reputation as a safe, reputable place to do business.

While identity verification can be completed directly and free of charge with Companies House, many directors and PSCs choose to work with an ACSP for the added convenience, expertise, and professional reassurance they provide.