What is an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP)?

As part of a wider effort to improve corporate transparency and reduce economic crime, the UK government is introducing stricter requirements around company formation and reporting. Central to this is the new role of the Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

But what exactly is an ACSP, and how does it affect small businesses, agents, and company formation services?

In this post, we’ll explain the role of ACSPs, who needs to use them, and how they fit into the evolving landscape of corporate governance and compliance in the UK for the 2025/26 tax year.

What Is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a business or organisation authorised to form companies or file on behalf of companies and LLPs with Companies House. As of 2024/25, only ACSPs will be allowed to perform certain actions on behalf of clients.

This is a key reform under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to:

• Crack down on fraudulent or fake company formations
• Improve the accuracy of the Companies House register
• Introduce identity verification for directors and other key parties

ACSPs will act as intermediaries between clients (such as business owners or directors) and Companies House.

What Can ACSPs Do?

From the 2024/25 tax year onwards, only Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) will be permitted to carry out certain key activities on behalf of UK businesses when dealing with Companies House. This forms part of a wider set of reforms introduced through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to reduce fraud, improve transparency, and make the Companies House register more reliable.

ACSPs will act as gatekeepers, ensuring that the information being submitted about a company or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) is accurate, verifiable, and compliant with UK law.

Core Functions of an ACSP

As of 2024/25, ACSPs will be authorised to carry out the following tasks on behalf of clients:

1. Form New Companies or Register LLPs

ACSPs can submit incorporation documents to Companies House for:

• Private limited companies (Ltd)
• Public limited companies (PLC)
• Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
• Other entity types eligible under UK law

This includes preparing and submitting:

• The company’s memorandum and articles of association
• Initial director and shareholder details
• Registered office addresses
• Statement of capital and PSC information

Using an ACSP for company formation ensures that identity verification is completed up front and in line with new legal requirements.

2. File Confirmation Statements and Company Updates

ACSPs can file regular and one-off updates to Companies House on behalf of existing companies. This includes:

• Confirmation statements (formerly annual returns) – a legal requirement for all UK companies
• Changes to directors, company secretaries, or shareholders
• Updates to the registered office or SAIL (Single Alternative Inspection Location)
• Alterations to share capital, SIC codes, or business activity

By using an ACSP, you can be confident that filings are made accurately and within the required deadlines helping to avoid penalties or criminal liability.

More guidance: GOV.UK – Filing your confirmation statement

3. Submit Beneficial Ownership and PSC Information

One of the key objectives of the new reforms is improving transparency around who really controls UK companies. ACSPs are now responsible for:

• Submitting and updating information about People with Significant Control (PSC)
• Ensuring this information is accurate, up to date, and verified
• Reporting any discrepancies or concerns to Companies House

This is particularly important for combatting money laundering, shell companies, and fraudulent ownership structures.

A PSC is generally someone who owns more than 25% of a company’s shares or voting rights, or who otherwise exerts significant influence or control.

4. Handle Identity Verification

ACSPs are authorised to complete identity verification on behalf of:

• Company directors
• Company secretaries
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Anyone submitting filings to Companies House

This process is now mandatory under the new legislation and must be completed before a company can be incorporated or updated. If an individual fails identity verification, the filing will be rejected.

Identity verification can be completed via:

• Direct upload of documents to Companies House
• Biometric checks (e.g. passport selfie scans)
• Verification through a supervised ACSP

ACSPs must maintain records of verification and report non-compliance if necessary.

More details: GOV.UK – Companies House Identity Verification

ACSPs Are Legally Accountable

ACSPs are not just service providers, they are legally responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the data they submit. They must:

• Be AML-supervised by an official body (e.g. HMRC, ICAEW, FCA)
• Adhere to record-keeping requirements
• Report suspicious activity
• Cooperate with Companies House and law enforcement where required