UK Companies House Reform: What Changes Mean for Your Business in 2026

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) represents the most significant overhaul of Companies House in its 180-year history. Having received Royal Assent in October 2023, the reforms are now being implemented in phases throughout 2025 and 2026, fundamentally changing how companies interact with the UK registrar. For businesses of all sizes, understanding these changes is not optional — it is an operational necessity.

The stated purpose of the reforms is clear: to transform Companies House from a passive recipient of information into an active gatekeeper of corporate data. The implications for day-to-day company administration are substantial.

Mandatory Identity Verification

Perhaps the single most impactful change is the introduction of mandatory identity verification for all directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and those who file documents on behalf of companies. This requirement is being phased in during 2025-2026 and will eventually apply to every individual whose name appears on the public register.

Directors and PSCs can verify their identity either directly with Companies House through a GOV.UK One Login account, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — a regulated professional firm authorised to carry out identity checks on behalf of Companies House. All existing directors and PSCs will need to complete verification within a transitional period, expected to run for approximately 12 months from the rollout date.

New Powers for Companies House

Under the previous regime, Companies House had virtually no authority to question information submitted to it. If a filing was completed in the correct format, it was accepted — regardless of whether the content was accurate, plausible, or consistent with other records. That era is over.

Companies House now has the power to:

• Query information that appears inconsistent, incomplete, or potentially fraudulent
• Reject filings that do not meet new quality standards
• Request supporting evidence before accepting changes to the register
• Remove information from the register where it is found to be inaccurate
• Share data proactively with law enforcement and other government agencies

In practice, this means that companies and their advisors should expect greater scrutiny of filings, particularly those involving changes to directors, registered offices, or share capital. The days of filing and forgetting are behind us.

Registered Office Requirements

The ECCTA introduces a new requirement that a company's registered office must be an "appropriate address" — defined as one where documents can be acknowledged and where a person would reasonably expect to find the company, or where evidence of delivery can be recorded. PO Box addresses will no longer qualify.

Companies House has the power to change a company's registered address to its own address (a process sometimes called "gazumping") if the current address is found to be inappropriate. Companies in this position will be flagged on the public register, which can create significant reputational and practical difficulties, particularly for those seeking finance or entering into contracts.

For international businesses operating through UK entities, this change reinforces the importance of maintaining a genuine UK presence. A registered office service provided by a professional firm, with proper mail handling and forwarding, will continue to meet the requirements — but a virtual mailbox at a serviced office that does not actually receive or acknowledge post may not.

Suppression of Personal Information

In a welcome development for directors and shareholders, the ECCTA introduces provisions for the suppression of personal information from the public register. Residential addresses of directors will no longer be visible on the public register as a default. Date of birth information will also be partially suppressed, with only the month and year visible.

These changes reflect a growing recognition that the public availability of personal information on the Companies House register has been exploited for identity fraud, harassment, and other criminal purposes. However, the information will still be held by Companies House and accessible to law enforcement and certain public authorities.

Transition Timeline

The reforms are being implemented in stages. The key milestones businesses should be aware of include:

• ACSP registration: Professional firms can now apply for ACSP status, enabling them to verify identities on behalf of their clients
• Identity verification rollout: New appointments are expected to require verification first, with existing officers given a transitional period
• Registered office enforcement: Companies House is actively reviewing registered office data and contacting companies with potentially inappropriate addresses
• Filing rejection powers: Already in effect, with Companies House exercising greater scrutiny of submissions

What Companies Should Do Now

The transition period provides an opportunity to get ahead of these changes. We recommend the following steps:

1. Audit your officer register. Ensure all director and PSC details held at Companies House are accurate and up to date. Correcting errors now will avoid complications during the identity verification process.
2. Prepare for identity verification. Contact all directors and PSCs to ensure they have the documentation needed for verification. For overseas-based individuals, consider using an ACSP to manage the process.
3. Review your registered office. Confirm that your registered address meets the new "appropriate address" standard. If you use a virtual office or PO Box, consider transitioning to a professional registered office service.
4. Engage a regulated ACSP. Working with a professional firm that holds ACSP status will streamline the verification process and ensure ongoing compliance with filing requirements.
5. Review your filing processes. Ensure that the individuals responsible for making Companies House filings within your organisation are aware of the new standards and prepared for potential queries from the registrar.

The ECCTA reforms represent a fundamental shift in the UK's corporate registration framework. While the transition will require effort, the long-term result — a more reliable, transparent, and secure companies register — benefits all legitimate businesses. The key is to act now, rather than waiting for enforcement to force the issue.