Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a regulated professional firm or individual approved to carry out identity verification and compliance checks on behalf of UK companies when dealing with Companies House.
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.
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a business or individual that:
Is supervised under UK anti-money laundering (AML) regulations
Has registered with Companies House as an ACSP
Is permitted to verify identities and submit information on behalf of companies
Takes legal responsibility for the accuracy of filings it submits
In practice, ACSPs are typically:
Accountancy firms
Chartered tax advisers
Legal firms
Company secretarial specialists
Trust and corporate service providers
Why Companies House introduced ACSPs
The UK corporate register has historically relied on self-reported information, which made it vulnerable to:
Fake directors and shareholders
False addresses and identities
Shell companies used for financial crime
The ACSP regime creates a trusted gatekeeper model, ensuring that key company information is verified by regulated professionals before it reaches Companies House.
This improves:
Corporate transparency
Confidence in UK companies
The UK’s international reputation
Fraud and money-laundering prevention
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.
Who Needs to Use an ACSP?
Not every company must use an ACSP, but many will choose or be required to, depending on how filings are made.
You are likely to need an ACSP if:
You want a professional to file on your behalf
You are appointing new directors or PSCs
You want to avoid failed or rejected identity checks
You operate multiple companies or complex structures
You want a single verified compliance record
Companies can still file directly themselves, but identity verification requirements apply either way.
Who Can Become an ACSP?
Only regulated and supervised professionals can register as an ACSP.
Eligibility Requirements
An ACSP must:
Be supervised for AML purposes in the UK
Have fit and proper owners and officers
Register with Companies House as an ACSP
Maintain robust identity verification processes
Keep audit-ready compliance records
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.
ACSP vs Filing Directly With Companies House
| Area | Using an ACSP | Filing Directly |
|---|---|---|
| Identity verification | Handled by regulated professional | Handled personally by director/PSC |
| Risk of rejection | Low | Higher if errors occur |
| Compliance support | Ongoing professional oversight | Self-managed |
| Liability sharing | Shared with ACSP | Fully personal |
What Information Can an ACSP Verify?
An ACSP may verify:
Directors’ identities
PSC identities
Company officers’ details
Filers submitting information
Certain changes to company records
Once verified, Companies House can rely on that confirmation without repeating checks.
Legal Responsibility and Risk
ACSPs carry real legal and regulatory responsibility.
If an ACSP submits inaccurate or misleading information:
It may face regulatory sanctions
It can lose ACSP status
It may be reported to its AML supervisor
Criminal penalties may apply in serious cases
For companies, this creates reassurance: ACSPs are incentivised to get it right.
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.
ACSPs and Accountants: A Natural Fit
Accountants are among the most common ACSPs because they already:
Perform AML identity checks
Understand company structures
Act as trusted professional advisers
Handle Companies House filings
Using an accountant as your ACSP often integrates seamlessly with:
Statutory accounts
Confirmation statements
Director changes
PSC updates
Benefits of Using an ACSP for Your Business
Using an ACSP is not just about compliance — it is about risk reduction and credibility.
Key Benefits
Faster, smoother filings
Reduced risk of rejected submissions
Professional oversight of company records
Clear audit trail for banks and investors
Confidence that identity checks meet legal standards
For growing businesses, property groups, and owner-managed companies, an ACSP often becomes part of wider compliance support.
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.
How to Choose the Right ACSP
When selecting an ACSP, look for:
UK AML supervision
Transparent verification processes
Clear pricing
Professional indemnity cover
Experience with Companies House filings
Avoid unregulated or overseas providers claiming ACSP-style services without authorisation.
The Future of ACSPs in the UK
The ACSP framework signals a long-term shift toward:
Verified digital identities
Fewer anonymous companies
Greater enforcement powers
Higher compliance expectations
Businesses that adapt early benefit from smoother compliance and reduced disruption as regulations tighten.
Final Thoughts: Do You Need an ACSP?
If your company values accuracy, credibility, and professional oversight, working with an Authorised Corporate Service Provider is becoming less of an option and more of a best practice.
Whether you are forming a company, managing changes, or maintaining a clean compliance record, an ACSP helps ensure your company information is trusted, verified, and future-proofed.
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.