ECCTA Implementation Milestone Delayed: Mandatory ACSP Registration Now November 2026 at Earliest
Companies House said on 19 January 2026 that its presenter measures, due in spring 2026, would start no earlier than November 2026. Once in force, third-party agents filing for companies must be registered Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs). Registration stayed open on a voluntary basis. The date later moved again, to no earlier than November 2027.
Companies House said on 19 January 2026 that the spring 2026 start for its presenter measures under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 had been postponed until no earlier than November 2026. It said it would consider whether the legislation needed exemptions or amendments to address stakeholder feedback.
What it means
- Once the measures apply, anyone delivering documents to Companies House must be identity-verified, and third-party agents filing on behalf of companies must be registered as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs), supervised by a UK anti-money laundering supervisory body.
- Until then, agents can keep filing without being ACSPs. Registration as an ACSP stays open voluntarily.
- Identity verification for directors and people with significant control, compulsory since 18 November 2025, was not affected.
What to do
Agents can register early. Confirm the firm's anti-money laundering supervisor and plan for the new identity checks.
Later developments
In August 2026 Companies House moved the start again, to no earlier than November 2027, with at least six months' notice. See our August 2026 coverage.