Providing Services as a Licensed Business Entity (LLBE)
From spring 2026, businesses and individuals who plan to verify the identity of clients for Companies House will need to register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), also known as a Companies House authorised agent. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply and register as a Companies House authorised agent in the UK.
Determine Eligibility
To become an authorised agent, you must be a "relevant person" as defined under applicable legislation, often in connection with verifying information on behalf of overseas entities or acting as intermediaries in company formations. Typically, this includes regulated professionals such as auditors, insolvency practitioners, external accountants, tax advisers, independent legal professionals, or trust/company service providers. Estate and letting agents supervised by HMRC for Money Laundering Regulations may also qualify when verifying overseas entities[2].
Meet Regulatory Requirements
You must comply with Money Laundering Regulations and other relevant standards for identity verification and due diligence, particularly if acting as a UK-regulated person verifying overseas entities' beneficial owners or managing officers[2]. Additionally, to register, agents must be supervised by a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body.
Register or Sign Up with Companies House
While direct "agent registration" per se is not explicitly described as a formal Companies House registration process in the sources, to act officially, you often need to be recognized or approved under the relevant legislation or frameworks (e.g., Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023). For company formation agents, it is common to support incorporations electronically on behalf of clients, utilizing Companies House’s online services[5].
Implement ID Verification Processes
For overseas entities registering to purchase or transfer UK property, authorised agents must carry out verification of beneficial owners/managing officers and submit these details to Companies House with confirmation of the verification[2][4].
Submit Required Documentation
As an authorised agent or formation agent, you handle filings such as incorporation documents, annual accounts, confirmation statements, and changes to company details through the Companies House online services or by post[1][5].
Maintain Compliance and Update Filings
There is a continuous obligation to ensure all company or client filing details are updated accurately and timely to Companies House, including director changes, registered office address, share structures, and PSC (persons with significant control) details[1].
Legal Requirements
Compliance with the Companies Act, Money Laundering Regulations, and the new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 is essential[2][3]. Overseas entities must provide full beneficial ownership details verified by a UK-regulated agent before property transactions[4]. Agents must maintain accurate and updated records and verify identities robustly to combat fraud and meet transparency obligations[3].
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with regulatory requirements can lead to financial penalties, legal action, and loss of professional standing. Companies House enforcement can include late filing penalties, fines, or in severe cases, criminal sanctions against companies and responsible individuals. Non-compliance may also provoke reputational damage and regulatory investigations under anti-money laundering laws, potentially leading to sanctions or loss of authorization to act as an agent[2][3]. Failure to meet verification and reporting requirements, especially under the Register of Overseas Entities regime, risks invalid property transactions and potential civil or criminal liability for both the overseas entity and the verifying agent[2][4].
- The eligibility criteria to become a Companies House authorised agent often involve being a regulated professional in the field of finance or business, such as auditors, tax advisers, or trust/company service providers.
- As an authorised agent, it is essential to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations, particularly when verifying the identities of beneficial owners or managing officers for overseas entities in the context of business transactions.
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