We are very pleased to announce that KKVMS LLP is registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) with Companies House effective from Tuesday 21st October 2025.
Authorised corporate service provider (ACSP) registration has been open since 18 March 2025, and Companies House (CH) estimates that up to 55,000 businesses will register within the one-year mark of the launch.
It is necessary for firms to be an ACSP, also known as a Companies House authorised agent, in order to provide identity (ID) verification services for Companies House purposes to clients. By spring 2026 it is also expected that firms will have to be an ACSP in order to file with Companies House on behalf of clients.
Registering as an ACSP means that we are on top of the latest requirements and have integrated the ECCTA 2023-related changes to company law into the practice.
ACSPs will, of course, be able to charge clients for identity verification and filing services. However, whilst it might be tempting to view ACSP registration as a money-making opportunity, it is important to be alert to the legal responsibilities that come with being an ACSP, particularly in relation to the new identity verification process.
CH guidance states that ACSPs ‘will be committing an offence if they do not comply with legal requirements. This means the sole trader, or all company directors (or equivalent) could receive a fine or face criminal prosecution’.
Being an ACSP firm means that we are both willing and well-positioned to take on the legal responsibilities and risks that accompany ACSP status.
Legal responsibility for identity verification checks
As a registered ACSPs we can carry out ID verification for clients assume the legal responsibility for performing those ID verifications correctly, to the high standard required.
The question at the core of ID verification for CH purposes is: ‘Is this person who they say they are?’
Performing ID verification correctly is important not only to avoid being penalised but it is also crucial for the prevention of economic crime and fraud – a key driving factor behind the introduction of ACSPs. All identity verification checks need to be performed properly for both these reasons.
CH can suspend an ACSP from acting, or revoke ACSP status, if they fail to properly carry out ID verifications.
A loss of ACSP status would mean that, from spring 2026 onwards, firms would also lose the ability to file with Companies House on behalf of clients. Serious cases of non-compliance could result in fines and prosecution. Reputational damage should also be borne in mind.
Detailed government guidance for ACSPs on performing ID verification checks to the required standard is available, including details on which documents may be checked and how they must be checked.
One key point to note is that if documentation is being checked manually (rather than by identification document validation technology capable of validating cryptographic features), all staff checking documents must have been properly trained by specialist providers who follow the Home Office best practice guide.
Record-keeping
Record-keeping is a core part of the ACSP role. ACSPs have a legal obligation to keep records of all ID verifications carried out, including unsuccessful verifications. They will also have to keep records of company filings carried out on behalf of clients.
Records must be kept for seven years, and the information in the ID verification records must include:
- any records of requests to verify or reverify identity; and
- all information and evidence the relevant person considered when determining the request.
Failure to comply with the requirement to keep this information and to show it to CH on request, is an offence, committed by every officer of the firm. It is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years, a fine or both, and the ability for
CH to suspend you from acting as an authorised agent.
Verification checks for Companies House vs AML
Please note that by registering as an ACSP there is a difference between verification checks for CH purposes and customer due diligence (CDD) checks for anti-money laundering (AML) purposes.
It may be an effective and practical option for an ACSP-registered firm to offer one process that encompasses the ID verification checks for CH purposes as well as the required checks for CDD.
This would allow clients to avoid going through multiple verification procedures. However, whilst KKVMS has opted for this efficient approach we must keep in mind that ID verification for CH purposes differs in aim, approach and procedure from CDD verification. It may also be the case that different people fall within the scope of each.
Whilst ID verification for CH purposes is about ensuring that someone is who they say they are, verification for CDD is centred on risk assessment and is concerned with evaluating the potential money-laundering risks a client poses.
To avoid repercussions for not carrying out ID verification checks correctly, ACSPs must be alive to the fact that adhering to the CDD risk-based verification approach does not automatically mean the firm is covered for ID verification from a CH perspective.
Other legal requirements for ACSPs
There are a number of other important legal requirements for ACSPs, including:
- notifying CH of any changes to your firm’s details (including address changes and changes in the contact details of senior staff) within 14 days;
- providing further information (about the agent’s filings with CH, identity checks, or to prove the agent is complying with their legal responsibilities) to CH as requested; and
- always being registered with at least one AML supervisory body which we are.
These legal requirements are significant and should not be overlooked. The duty to keep the firm’s own details up to date, for example, is a positive duty and KKVMS is ensuring that internal processes are in place to ensure that it is met.
In summary, for KKVMS is now prepared and positioned to accept the legal responsibility of ACSP status, registration represents a great opportunity to offer end-to-end services, play a part in the prevention of economic fraud and run an effective practice for our clients.
Need help with your Companies House matters?
Find out more about our specialist Statutory consultancy and HMRC enquiry service at KKVMS LLP.