What is an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP)?

There is a growing emphasis on transparency and compliance across UK businesses, with new regulations designed to strengthen accountability and reduce economic crime.

Central to this shift is the introduction of the authorised corporate service provider (ACSP), a regulated intermediary that helps businesses meet new legal requirements when dealing with Companies House. For SMEs in particular, understanding what an ACSP is and how they work will be essential in the months ahead.

This guide covers the key facts: what ACSPs are, what they do, the timeline you need to know, and why working with a regulated accountant is the smartest move.

The new era of Companies House

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 represents one of the most significant changes to UK company law in recent years. Its aim is to improve transparency around who owns and controls UK businesses, while reducing the risk of fraud.

Historically, Companies House accepted information largely as it was submitted, with only limited checks in place. With the Act in place, the body has now taken on a more active role, with the authority to question, challenge, and reject information that appears inaccurate or suspicious.

Since the 18th of November 2025, a key part of these reforms has come into force: Company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone filing on behalf of a business must now verify their identity.

Filing requirements have also become more stringent, with greater scrutiny to ensure information is accurate and consistent. Under these new rules, anyone handling filings on behalf of your business must be properly authorised. This is where authorised corporate service providers (ACSPs) come in.

Defining the authorised corporate service provider

An authorised corporate service provider is a formally recognised third party permitted to carry out specific functions with Companies House on behalf of businesses and individuals. Rather than managing every verification and filing requirement directly, businesses can appoint an ACSP to handle these responsibilities on their behalf.

Eligibility is limited to professionals already operating within regulated frameworks, typically:

• Accountants
• Solicitors
• Chartered secretaries
• Company formation agents

To become an ACSP, a provider must be supervised for anti-money laundering (AML) purposes by a recognised professional body, such as ICAEW or ACCA.

This means that when you work with an authorised corporate service provider, you are dealing with a regulated professional whose conduct is overseen, whose processes are subject to scrutiny, and who is fully accountable for the work carried out on your behalf.

The role of the ACSP

An authorised corporate service provider’s responsibilities fall into three core areas:

Identity verification

ACSPs can verify the identities of directors and PSCs on behalf of their clients, using checks already conducted as part of their AML obligations. This removes the need for individuals to navigate the government’s verification system themselves, making the process quicker and more straightforward.

Filing with Companies House

ACSPs are authorised to submit documents on behalf of clients, including company incorporations, record updates, and confirmation statements. They also take responsibility for the accuracy of what they file, providing an additional layer of oversight that helps reduce the risk of mistakes, delays, or rejected submissions.

Ongoing compliance

The regulatory environment will continue to evolve as further reforms are introduced. An ACSP keeps up to date with these changes, helping to make sure that clients remain compliant without needing to monitor every legislative update themselves.

For SMEs, the practical benefits are clear. Compliance errors can lead to rejected filings, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Working with an authorised corporate service provider reduces those risks, saves time, and lets business owners focus on running their companies.

Crucial deadlines and timelines

As mentioned earlier, the rollout is already underway and, for many businesses, the key deadlines are closer than they might think. Existing directors and PSCs have a 12-month transition period to complete identity verification. This period began on the 18th of November 2025 and runs until mid-November 2026.

Verification is completed by providing a Companies House personal code when filing the company’s next confirmation statement. Because of this, the effective deadline will vary from business to business.

If your confirmation statement is due in the coming months, identity verification should be treated as a priority now rather than something to deal with later in the year. From no earlier than November 2026, any business filing documents with Companies House on behalf of clients will also need to be formally registered as an authorised corporate service provider.

Missing these deadlines can have serious consequences. Filings may be blocked if verification is not completed, and continuing to act as a director or PSC without a verified identity is a criminal offence that may lead to director disqualification.

Why choose a regulated accountant as your ACSP

As mentioned, ACSP status is open to several types of regulated professionals. However, for most SMEs, a regulated accountant is often the strongest choice. Here’s why.

Established compliance framework

Regulated accountancy practices already operate within strict professional standards. They are supervised for anti-money laundering purposes, maintain professional indemnity insurance, and are accountable to a recognised professional body. This existing structure provides the oversight and accountability expected of an ACSP.

Experience with Companies House obligations

Most accountants already handle confirmation statements, company updates, and other filings with Companies House as part of their day-to-day work. Acting as an authorised corporate service provider builds on that existing experience, allowing verification and submissions to be managed alongside the company’s other statutory responsibilities.

A clearer view of your compliance picture

The requirements introduced by the Act sit alongside wider obligations around tax, governance, and financial reporting. Working with an accountant who already understands these areas helps ensure the new rules are addressed in a way that fits with your overall compliance responsibilities.

How One Two One Accounts can help

At One Two One Accounts, we support SMEs across the North East of England as a registered ACSP. As the new requirements come into force, having an established, regulated accountant managing these obligations can make the process far simpler.

From completing the necessary verification checks to ensuring submissions are handled correctly, our team can take care of the practical steps involved so you can focus on running your business.

As local accounts, we already work closely with companies across the region, we understand the day-to-day realities they face. Acting as an ACSP allows us to extend that support, helping clients stay compliant with the updated Companies House framework without unnecessary complexity.

If you would like to learn more about how we operate as an authorised corporate service provider, or how our services can support your business or practice, get in touch with our team.