Registration as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
The launch of the service to register as an ACSP/Companies House authorised agent has now gone live from 18 March, following a previous delay when it was originally due to go live on 25 February. This new service is for third party providers who will be carrying out identity checks on behalf of clients for Companies House, to register their business to become an ACSP.
Identity verification is a key measure of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. This means Companies House will be required to verify the identity of anyone who is submitting information to the public register, including those acting on behalf of a company.
To complete identity verification, directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will have the option of verifying directly with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login, or through a third-party provider, such as an accountant or other professional service provider.
Third-party providers (practitioners) who wish to offer client verification services for Companies House will need to register their business as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). ACSPs will also be known as Companies House authorised agents.
In the future, third-party providers who plan to file information on behalf of other companies will also need to register their business and complete identity verification. They will be able to do so earlier if they wish.
ACSPs will include any eligible Professional Service Provider (for example accountant, legal profession) or Trust and Company Service Provider (for example incorporation agents).
To be eligible to register as an ACSP, individuals and firms must be supervised by a relevant UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body, such as HMRC or the Financial Conduct Authority. If an individual or firm is not supervised in the UK, or supplies incorrect membership details, their application will be rejected.
Senior members of a firm, such as a sole trader, director, partner or member, can register as an authorised agent and must complete their own identification verification before applying for registration; there is a £55 registration fee.
Once registered, a new digital account and unique identity number will be issued to allow the firm to file information and complete identity verification for their clients. There is an option to add further members of the team to the firm’s ACSP account once registered and approved.
Find out more about AML supervision
Third-party providers planning on carrying out identity verification checks for Companies House on behalf of clients can get their business ready by:
- making sure they understand the upcoming changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
- reviewing and updating their identity verification processes to make sure they meet the new requirements
- confirming they are anti-money laundering regulated in the UK and locate their membership number ready for your registration.
