First prosecutions of directors who failed to verify their identity with Companies House
The Insolvency Service secured its first convictions for identity verification offences on 16 September 2026, when three directors of two companies were fined at City of London Magistrates' Court. The Insolvency Service and Companies House warned that verification is not optional, and that directors are responsible for making sure unverified people do not act as directors of their company.
The Insolvency Service and Companies House announced on 17 September 2026 the first convictions for failing to comply with identity verification requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
What happened
- Three directors of two private companies were fined at City of London Magistrates' Court on 16 September 2026.
- In both cases the directors had been given several chances to comply before action was taken.
- The Insolvency Service said directors are responsible not only for their own verification but also for making sure unverified individuals do not keep acting as directors of the company.
The rules
New directors have had to verify before acting since 18 November 2025. Existing directors verify during the 12-month transition, when the company files its next confirmation statement. There is no option to opt out.
What to do
Check that every director and person with significant control has verified and that statements were filed with the confirmation statement. The 12-month transition ends in November 2026.