Why companies house id verification matters for your business

As part of the UK government’s drive to improve transparency and tackle economic crime, Companies House has introduced new identity verification requirements for company directors and PSCs (People with Significant Control).

Under the new Companies House reforms, identity verification will become mandatory for:

• All company directors
• All PSCs
• Anyone setting up a new company

These changes are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
and are being brought in from November 2025 – with a deadline of XX.
What this means is that for existing directors who have previously processed their ID
Verification and where a new UK limited company is being setup with new directors.
To support this process Companies House have created a new category of trusted
professionals: Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).
We’re proud to say that Sakura is an ACSP approved firm and that means
smoother, safer compliance for your business.

What Is an ACSP?
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a regulated accountancy or legal
firm that’s been approved by Companies House to carry out identity verification on behalf of clients.

This means:

• We can verify directors and PSCs directly, without needing you to go through
  Companies House yourself.
• We meet strict standards for anti-money laundering supervision and
  professional conduct.
• We’re recognised as a trusted intermediary between your business and
  Companies House.

What This Means for You
As a Sakura client, ACSP approval brings several key benefits:

1. Simplified Compliance
   We’ll handle identity verification for you—no need to navigate new systems or submit documents yourself.
2. Peace of Mind
   You’re working with a firm that meets the highest standards of professional integrity and regulatory oversight.
3. Time Saved
   We’ll manage the process efficiently, ensuring your filings aren’t delayed or rejected due to verification issues.
4. Proactive Support
   We’ll keep you informed of upcoming changes and deadlines, so you’re always one step ahead.
   
   We will be reaching out to you directly when it’s time to verify your identity—so you don’t need to worry about missing anything.

Who needs to verify?

• Directors (including new and existing).
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs).
• Company secretaries or anyone filing documents.
• Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) like Sakura.

When do you need to verify?

• New appointments: Within 14 days of becoming a director or PSC.
• Existing directors/PSCs: During the 12-month transition period, linked to
  your next confirmation statement.
• By Spring 2026, only verified individuals or ACSPs can file documents.

What happens if you don’t verify?

• You cannot file documents at Companies House.
• Risk of penalties, rejected filings, or even company strike-off.

Key Dates

• 18 March 2025: ACSP registration opened.
• 8 April 2025: Voluntary verification started.
• 18 November 2025: Mandatory verification for new appointments.
• Spring 2026: All existing directors/PSCs must be verified.

Final Thoughts
The ACSP approval that Sakura has obtained from Companies House isn’t just a badge, it’s a commitment to helping our clients stay compliant, protected, and informed. We are proud to be part of this new chapter in UK company regulation, and we’re
here to make the process as smooth as possible for you.

At Sakura, we’re here to help you navigate these decisions with confidence and
compliance.

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