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Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) Services
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider plays a central role in the new identity verification process introduced through the Corporate Transparency Act. Companies House is tightening controls around company information, complete identity verification checks, and filing information on the public register. For any limited company, sole trader acting as an agent, or international business registering a UK entity, these changes mean new responsibilities and stricter rules.
If you are operating overseas and need someone to verify identities, submit information, and act on your behalf, using a trusted corporate service provider like Goodwille helps you stay compliant, avoid rejected filings, and maintain accuracy with Companies House.
What is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider in the UK?
An authorised corporate service provider, often called an ACSP, is a professional organisation approved by Companies House to carry out identity verification checks and file documents on behalf of clients.
Authorised Corporate Service Providers can:
- Verify people’s identities
- Complete identity verification for company directors
- Submit information through an authorised agent account
- Manage confirmation statements and file accounts
- Access services within the Companies House authorised agent system
- Keep company information accurate on the public register
Goodwille is registered as an ACSP, which means we can complete identity checks and handle the identity verification process for directors, significant control holders, and anyone filing on behalf of a company.
Why Authorised Corporate Service Providers Are Required Now
The Corporate Transparency Act and the wider economic crime reforms aim to reduce money laundering, improve data accuracy, and reduce misuse of UK companies. These reforms introduce:
- Mandatory identity verification
- Stricter registration processes
- Higher standards for company formation
- More oversight from Companies House
- Stronger checks for company directors and PSC
Companies House now requires verified individuals for many of its functions. Businesses need a secure way to complete identity verification and submit filings without delay.
Companies House and the Authorised Agent Account
Companies House is shifting toward digital account systems and authorisation tools. An authorised agent account allows a corporate service provider to:
- Submit information on behalf of clients
- File accounts and confirmation statements
- Register new companies
- Complete identity verification for individuals
- Access online service tools for quick processing
Goodwille manages this account for its clients, handling all filings and ensuring regulatory accuracy.
Identity Verification Requirements
Identity verification applies to anyone involved in key roles within a company. This includes:
- Company directors
- Existing directors
- People with significant control (PSC)
- Individuals filing documents
- Anyone acting on behalf of a company
Identity checks must be completed before certain filings take place. Companies House will not accept filings if a person has not verified their identity.
Goodwille manages identity verification checks through the ACSP account, reducing delays and helping clients avoid rejected filings.
Role of a Corporate Service Provider
The role of a corporate service provider includes:
- Ensuring legal compliance
- Managing identity checks
- Supporting clients with filings
- Handling communication with Companies House
- Managing updates through the authorised agent account
This support allows businesses to focus on operations instead of administration.
An authorised corporate service provider is a key partner in maintaining compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act and new Companies House rules. For international clients, the verification and filing process can be complex. Working with Goodwille removes uncertainty, reduces risk, and keeps your business compliant from day one.
If you need a trusted ACSP or want to understand how the new rules affect your company, contact Goodwille for support.
What is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider in the UK?
An authorised corporate service provider, often called an ACSP, is a professional organisation approved by Companies House to carry out identity verification checks and file documents on behalf of clients.
ACSPs can:
- Verify people’s identities
- Complete identity verification for company directors
- Submit information through an authorised agent account
- Manage confirmation statements and file accounts
- Access services within the Companies House authorised agent system
- Keep company information accurate on the public register
Goodwille is registered as an ACSP, which means we can complete identity checks and handle the identity verification process for directors, significant control holders, and anyone filing on behalf of a company.
Why Authorised Corporate Service Providers Are Required Now
The Corporate Transparency Act and the wider economic crime reforms aim to reduce money laundering, improve data accuracy, and reduce misuse of UK companies. These reforms introduce:
- Mandatory identity verification
- Stricter registration processes
- Higher standards for company formation
- More oversight from Companies House
- Stronger checks for company directors and PSCs
Companies House now requires verified individuals for many of its functions. Businesses need a secure way to complete identity verification and submit filings without delay.
Companies House and the Authorised Agent Account
Companies House is shifting toward digital account systems and authorisation tools. An authorised agent account allows a corporate service provider to:
- Submit information on behalf of clients
- File accounts and confirmation statements
- Register new companies
- Complete identity verification for individuals
- Access online service tools for quick processing
Goodwille manages this account for its clients, handling all filings and ensuring regulatory accuracy.
Identity Verification Requirements
Identity verification applies to anyone involved in key roles within a company. This includes:
- Company directors
- Existing directors
- PSCs
- Individuals filing documents
- Anyone acting on behalf of a company
Identity checks must be completed before certain filings take place. Companies House will not accept filings if a person has not verified their identity.
Goodwille manages identity verification checks through the ACSP account, reducing delays and helping clients avoid rejected filings.
Corporate Service Provider ACSP Explained
A corporate service provider ACSP is an organisation that Companies House recognises as having met relevant anti money laundering regulations. This includes AML supervision, AML registration, and compliance with AML regulations.
To hold this status, the provider must be supervised by a recognised supervisory body. Goodwille meets these criteria and has the qualified team needed to support clients with their UK operations.
Identity Verification Process
The identity verification process includes:
- Collecting proof of identity
- Verifying someone’s identity using approved methods
- Recording verification in the authorised agent account
- Submitting confirmation to Companies House
- Keeping verification data accurate in line with UK anti money laundering requirements
Using third party providers without ACSP status is not enough. Only an ACSP can complete authorised checks at the level required.
What Corporate Service Providers Do
Corporate service providers support businesses with:
- Filing information with Companies House
- Managing identity checks
- Company formation services
- Registering new digital accounts
- Handling data submitted to the public register
- Filing accounts
- Assisting with confirmation statements
- Maintaining compliance with UK company law
They offer ongoing registration service support so companies can operate without administrative risk.
Why Businesses Need an ACSP
Businesses need an ACSP when:
- Directors are overseas
- Companies are formed remotely
- Identity checks must be completed for multiple individuals
- There is no internal compliance team
- Software filing is required
- There is a need to avoid delays and criminal offence exposure
Using an ACSP reduces risk and ensures compliance from day one.
Scenarios Where an ACSP Is Essential
You may need an ACSP when:
- Your company formation agent cannot verify identities
- Directors are based abroad and identity checks must be verified digitally
- You are incorporating a new company with multiple shareholders
- Filing information must be completed by someone acting on behalf of a company
- You need access to the verified Companies House authorised agent system
- You want support with confirmation statements and accounts
- You need to avoid rejected filings due to incomplete identity verification
Goodwille manages these scenarios for clients daily.
Registration Process for ACSP Services
The ACSP registration process requires:
- AML membership number
- Proof of AML supervision
- Verification of senior role holders
- Confirmation that relevant anti money laundering controls are in place
Goodwille is already registered, which allows clients to use our authorised agent account immediately.
How Identity Checks Protect Businesses
Identity verification checks reduce the risk of:
- Fraud
- Money laundering
- Economic crime
- False directorships
- Inaccurate data on the public register
Accurate verification supports the integrity of company information and strengthens trust.
Filing Information Through an ACSP
Companies House expects all filings to be accurate. Incorrect or incomplete filings can become a criminal offence if submitted knowingly.
A corporate service provider reduces risk by ensuring:
- Correct format
- Accurate company number
- Proper signatures
- Verified identities
- Correct data submitted
This helps clients stay compliant with UK company law.
Goodwille’s ACSP Services
Goodwille provides complete ACSP services including:
- Identity verification for directors and PSCs
- Filing accounts and confirmation statements
- Managing the login process for Companies House accounts
- Ensuring identity verified status
- Handling errors and preventing rejected filings
- Verifying people’s identities for new appointments
- Supporting limited company formations
Our services help clients meet legal responsibilities and maintain their company information properly.
Why Outsourcing is Recommended
Outsourcing ACSP services to Goodwille provides:
- Consistent compliance
- Strong governance
- No reliance on internal staff
- Reduced risk of missed deadlines
- Expert communication with Companies House
Clients benefit from dedicated support and experienced governance professionals.
Role of a Corporate Service Provider
The role of a corporate service provider includes:
- Ensuring legal compliance
- Managing identity checks
- Supporting clients with filings
- Handling communication with Companies House
- Managing updates through the authorised agent account
This support allows businesses to focus on operations instead of administration.
An authorised corporate service provider is a key partner in maintaining compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act and new Companies House rules. For international clients, the verification and filing process can be complex. Working with Goodwille removes uncertainty, reduces risk, and keeps your business compliant from day one.
If you need a trusted ACSP or want to understand how the new rules affect your company, contact Goodwille for support.
ACSP FAQs
What is an Approved Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)?
An ACSP is a company authorised by HMRC to carry out identity verification checks required under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. From Autumn 2025, these checks will be mandatory for company directors, PSCs (People with Significant Control), and other relevant individuals listed at Companies House.
Who needs to be verified under the new rules?
Anyone appointed as a director, person with significant control (PSC), or company secretary will need to complete identity verification before their details can be added to the Companies House register. This applies to both new appointments and existing officers.
What’s involved in the identity verification process?
We will collect and verify key documents (e.g. passport, proof of address) for each relevant individual. Our team ensures all checks are conducted in line with HMRC and Companies House standards. We then report the verification to Companies House on your behalf.
When do the new rules come into force?
The identity verification regime is expected to become mandatory from Autumn 2025, though Companies House may open the system for voluntary early compliance before then. Working with an ACSP now allows you to prepare in advance and avoid a last-minute rush.
Meet our Head of Corporate Governance
Sarah Scott
Sarah is part of our Governance Team providing additional support and advice including regulatory compliance matters. A qualified lawyer with many years of experience working both in private practice and in-house, Sarah has a wealth of knowledge with a full and balanced understanding of client needs. She is also our data protection specialist and is on hand to advise on client data protection obligations from assisting with registrations at the ICO to more complex data protection issues.
