Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs): What They Do, Why and How They should to Register with Companies House

Managing a business in today’s environment entails navigating a web of regulations, compliance standards, and administrative responsibilities. This is where Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) come in. ACSPs are trusted intermediaries who file information and verify identities on behalf of firms with Companies House, assuring compliance and fraud prevention.

With new guidelines enacted under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, all ACSPs will be required to register their businesses beginning in Spring 2025. This blog will explain all you need to know about ACSPs, including why and how to register.

What Are Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs)?

Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) assist UK firms in meeting their compliance needs. Experts, such as accountants, solicitors, and company formation agents, undertake crucial activities such as filing legal documents and verifying identities. They ensure that businesses comply with regulations without difficulty.

Here’s what ACSPs typically do:

• Help with company formation by filing the necessary documents.
• Manage ongoing compliance by submitting annual confirmation statements and updating company information.
• Ensure Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements are followed.

But starting in 2025, these responsibilities will come with stricter oversight. To keep offering these services, ACSPs will need to register with Companies House.

Why Register as an ACSP?

The new registration process isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about building trust and transparency:

1. Accuracy and Transparency

By verifying identities, Companies House can ensure that the information on the public register is accurate and dependable, resulting in a system that businesses can trust.

2. Fraud Prevention

Knowing exactly who is submitting information helps Companies House quickly spot and address fraudulent or suspicious activities.

3. Enhanced Collaboration

Registration makes it easier for Companies House and regulatory bodies to share data, strengthening efforts to prevent economic crimes and protect businesses.

If you’re an agent working with Companies House, these new changes mean you should start preparing for the registration process, so you’ll be fully prepared when it launches.

How to Register as an ACSP with Companies House

The registration process will open in Spring 2025. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Review the Requirements

• Familiarise yourself with the changes introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
• Ensure your business is AML-regulated and locate your membership number.
• Update your internal processes to meet identity verification standards.

2. Submit Your Application

When the registration portal opens, you will need to:

• Provide details about your business, including the AML supervisory body membership number (sometimes called an ID number).
• Verify the identity of key individuals, such as directors or sole traders.

3. Get Your ACSP Credentials

Upon approval, you will receive:

• A digital account to manage filings more efficiently.
• A unique identification number that confirms your authority to act on behalf of clients.

4. Add Team Members

Following registration, you can grant access to other employees in your business. While these employees won’t need to undergo identity verification themselves, they will be able to help with filings and identity checks for clients.

What’s in It for You?

Becoming an ACSP is not only about compliance but also about building trust and streamlining operations.

• Stay Compliant: Make sure your business meets UK company law and follows Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
• Save Time: Streamline the process of managing filings and verifying identities for your clients.
• Increase Credibility: Clients will trust you more if you are registered and authorised by Companies House.

Next Steps

Although registration won’t open until Spring 2025, you can start preparing now:

• Examine the changes to UK company law and comprehend the new obligations of ACSPs.
• Double-check your compliance with AML regulations and locate your membership number.
• Stay updated by following announcements from Companies House and GOV.UK.

Conclusion

The ACSP registration process in the UK significantly improves company compliance. By registering as an ACSP, you meet legal requirements while also promoting your company as a trustworthy partner in managing filings and fostering transparency.

For additional information on ACSPs, visit the DataTracks blog