Companies House statutory changes 2025

Key contacts: Beverley Jones, Andrew McGlashan, Johnathan Rees, Edward Chapman

Companies House statutory changes

From 18 November 2025, UK companies will face significant new compliance obligations under Companies House reforms aimed at tackling economic crime and improving corporate transparency.

Why are these changes being introduced?

These reforms are part of the UK Government’s wider agenda to modernise corporate transparency and streamline company administration, as reflected in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

The UK’s open and globally connected economy makes it an attractive hub for international business. However, this same openness also creates vulnerabilities which exposes the system to fraud, money laundering, and other forms of financial crime.

The misuse of UK corporate structures undermines legitimate enterprise, erodes public trust, and threatens financial integrity.

The upcoming changes to statutory registers and filing requirements represent one part of a broader effort to enhance trust in the UK corporate environment and protect the integrity of the business ecosystem.

What’s changing: Abolition of certain statutory registers

From 18 November 2025, UK companies will no longer be legally required to maintain the following statutory registers:

Although these registers will no longer need to be kept internally, companies must continue to file and keep this information up to date with Companies House. The responsibility for maintaining accurate public records remains critical.

Further administrative changes

Several additional updates to corporate filing and record-keeping requirements will take effect:

Directors’ business occupations will no longer need to be provided when registering appointments
The central register option for officer information at Companies House will be removed
Companies must continue to maintain a register of members (shareholders) at their registered office address or a Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL)

Impact on companies using the central register

If your company has previously relied on the central register at Companies House for its register of members, you will now be required to:

create and maintain an internal register of members
store the register at your registered office address or SAIL
include a statement explaining your prior reliance on the central register
ensure the register is available for public inspection, as required by law

The implementation of compulsory identity verification

Following ECCTA, the UK is entering a new phase of corporate law reform with the introduction of compulsory identity verification (ID-V) for directors, PSCs, and anyone filing on behalf of UK entities. This measure becomes mandatory from 18 November 2025.

Who must verify?

All new and existing directors
PSCs
Individuals filing documents at Companies House

(Adapted requirements for LLPs and other corporate entities)

Key timelines

8 April 2025: Voluntary ID-V opened
18 November 2025:
- ID-V becomes mandatory for all new directors and PSCs
- 12-month implementation period begins for existing directors and PSCs
Spring/Summer 2026 (TBC): Only verified individuals or ACSPs can file with Companies House
End of 2026: Enforcement action for non-compliance begins

How to verify?

Direct with Companies House

Free and straightforward
Online via app or browser
Requires biometric passport, UK driving licence, or approved ID
Limited in-person Post Office option available

Indirect via Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

ACSPs must be AML-supervised entities
They handle the ID-V process on your behalf
Must meet legal requirements and verify identity, not just certify documents

After verification you will receive a personal code from Companies House. This code is required for appointments, filings and confirmation statements. The code must be kept secure and only shared with trusted parties.

Practical and legal implications

These changes carry important implications, particularly for:

Criminal and civil penalties
Disqualification from acting as a director
Company struck off the register: for continued non-compliance the company may be removed from the public register
Inability to register companies or make statutory filings: from 18 November 2025 confirmation statements must include the personal code of every director and PSC
Public listing as “unverified”: potentially impacting credit and business relationships.
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A): Buyers and legal advisors will be more reliant on Companies House filings and may need additional internal confirmations from target companies
Corporate governance: The accuracy and completeness of the internal register of members will become increasingly important, especially for transactions or shareholder disputes
Compliance risk: There is a heightened risk of incomplete or outdated shareholderinformation if companies do not put robust record-keeping procedures in place

Next steps for companies

With the deadline fast approaching, we recommend companies begin preparing now. Suggested actions include:

Reviewing current internal governance practices
Ensuring a compliant register of members is maintained
Identifying any reliance on the central register and taking steps to transfer records internally
Identifying all individuals who need to verify their identity and choose a verification method.
Set up systems to securely store Companies House personal codes.

How Acuity Law can help

At Acuity Law, our Corporate Team offers full support to help your business transition smoothly and remain compliant under the new regime. We can assist with:

Replacing reliance on central registers with internal systems and the creation of compliant registers
Establishing compliant, robust record-keeping policies
Filing compliant confirmation statements in line with the statutory changes
Advising on the implications of these changes in the context of M&A and other corporate activity