Simplify Compliance with Companies House ID Verification Requirements

Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs): Verify identities with confidence using LexisNexis® Risk Solutions
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New Legal Duties for ACSPs Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act

From March 2025, Companies House introduced new requirements for identity verification as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.

Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) must now verify the identities of individuals involved in corporate entities, such as directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and members, before submitting information to Companies House. This verification must meet specific standards to ensure trust in the corporate register and reduce the risk of economic crime.

How ACSPs Can Achieve Compliance


ACSPs must check identities according to the criteria set out by Companies House.

This can be achieved by using a certified identity service provider’s Identity Verification Technology (IDVT) that complies with the UK government guidance on how an identity should be checked, and the specific requirements of Companies House. This technology can be used to compliantly verify an identity remotely using identity documents matching to a live ‘selfie’ photograph.

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LexisNexis® IDU®

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Make confident, instant decisions about who to trust whilst customer onboarding frustrations become a thing of the past.

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Trusted Identity Verification Technology (IDVT) for Seamless, Scalable Compliance

Using specialist identity verification technology allows ACSPs to scale their compliance processes, reduce manual checking, and meet the high standards of verification required whilst offering a faster and more secure experience for clients.

It also supports audit trails and record-keeping obligations, critical for regulatory compliance.

LexisNexis® Risk Solutions provides the identity verification technology tools ACSPs need to verify identities confidently and compliantly.

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With LexisNexis® IDU®, you benefit from:
Verification Instant identity verification: check identity attributes across trusted global data sources
 Tick Advanced biometric verification: match selfies to documents with industry-leading accuracy
 Audit Audit-ready reporting: maintain detailed verification records for full compliance
 View A comprehensive view of identity risk: using layered verification, authentication, fraud insights and anti-money laundering (AML) screening
 Certified LexisNexis® IDU® is certified against the UK Government Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework

Timeline and implementation: What businesses need to prepare for

The new verification requirements are being implemented in phases, allowing ACSPs and businesses time to adjust their processes and systems. Key deadlines and requirements include:

From 18 March 2025

Third-party providers conducting identity verification checks must register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

From 8 April 2025

Individuals can voluntarily verify their identity, and ACSPs can confirm identity verification to Companies House.

Autumn 2025

Identity verification becomes mandatory for directors and PSCs.

Spring 2026

ACSP registration becomes mandatory for submitting documents to Companies House.


ACSP Identity Verification

Key Frequently Asked Questions

An ACSP is an organisation authorised to deliver identity verification checks on behalf of clients under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. Legal and accountancy firms must register as ACSPs with Companies House if they wish to file on behalf of clients or incorporate companies. Registration requires meeting supervisory criteria and using compliant identity verification processes.

Companies House has adopted identity verification standards aligned with government digital identity guidance (including GPG45). Directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and those filing on behalf of entities must verify their identity either directly via Companies House or through an ACSP. Verification involves confirming that an individual is a real person, using identity documents and other corroborating data.

IDU® is designed to meet digital identity verification standards, including document validation, biometric matching, and identity assurance through robust data sources. It helps firms fulfil their obligations under the new regime by delivering compliant checks in line with GPG45 attributes, risk-based assessments, and auditable reporting.

Failure to comply with identity verification requirements may result in filing rejections, regulatory penalties, or removal of filing privileges. For ACSPs, non-compliance could also lead to de-registration and exposure to anti-money laundering enforcement action.

IDU allows ACSPs to verify identities remotely and at scale. It uses a combination of authoritative data, document verification, and identity matching algorithms to verify individuals quickly and securely. IDU can be integrated into client onboarding workflows via API or used via a web-based portal, with results returned instantly and aligned to your risk appetite.

Ready to Comply with Confidence?

Partner with LexisNexis® Risk Solutions and simplify identity verification today.

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