In the new era of UK company regulation, one acronym is reshaping how businesses operate: ACSP.
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is no longer just a filing agent or company formation service. It’s a regulated, AML‑supervised entity that acts as a governance gatekeeper — verifying identities, safeguarding filings, and ensuring that the people behind companies are who they say they are.
If you’re a director, PSC, accountant, or company secretary, understanding what an ACSP is — and why it matters — is essential.
What Is an ACSP?
An ACSP is:
- A business or sole trader registered with Companies House
- Supervised by a UK Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) body
- Authorised to verify identities and submit filings on behalf of clients
- Responsible for maintaining audit‑ready records and complying with legal standards
ACSPs include:
- Accountants
- Solicitors
- Company formation agents
- Governance professionals
- Specialist verification providers like Board Verify
To become an ACSP, the provider must:
- Be AML‑supervised by one of 25 UK bodies
- Register with Companies House
- Complete identity verification
- Maintain records for 7 years
- Comply with ongoing legal obligations
This isn’t a casual registration — it’s a regulated role with serious responsibilities.
Why ACSPs Exist — The Problem They Solve
For years, Companies House accepted filings without knowing who submitted them. Anyone could appoint a director, change a PSC, or file a confirmation statement — often anonymously. This created risk:
- Fraudulent appointments
- Shell companies
- Hidden ownership
- Identity theft
- Economic crime
The UK government responded with the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which introduced mandatory identity verification and new powers for Companies House.
ACSPs are the solution. They provide a trusted, regulated channel for identity‑assured filings.
What ACSPs Actually Do
ACSPs perform critical functions:
- Identity Verification – Confirm the identity of directors, PSCs, and filers using Companies House standards
- AML Compliance – Conduct due diligence and risk assessments under Money Laundering Regulations
- Filing Authority – Submit verified information to Companies House on behalf of clients
- Audit Trail Maintenance – Keep records of identity checks for 7 years
- Regulatory Liaison – Respond to Companies House queries and provide supporting evidence when requested.
ACSPs are held to a higher standard — and that’s exactly why they matter.
✅ You can’t file without verification
Companies House will soon reject filings from or about unverified individuals.
If you’re a director or PSC, you must be verified — either directly or via an ACSP like Board Verify.
✅ ACSPs offer more than Companies House
Direct verification is basic. ACSPs provide:
- AML‑aligned checks
- Support for complex structures
- Guidance for PSCs and corporate directors
- Full audit trails
- A human to speak to when something doesn’t match
✅ Your company’s credibility depends on it
Banks, investors, and partners will increasingly rely on verified data.
Working with an ACSP signals professionalism and governance maturity.
✅ You need a defensible process
If regulators ever ask questions, you need:
- Verified identities
- Documented checks
- A clear compliance trail
An ACSP provides that. DIY filings do not.
Board Verify — Your Trusted ACSP
Board Verify is:
- Fully registered with Companies House
- AML‑supervised
- Built for directors, PSCs, and governance professionals
- Designed to deliver frictionless, audit‑ready verification
- Trusted by clients who need regulator‑grade assurance
We don’t just tick boxes — we build defensible governance.
Take the Next Step
If you’re a director, accountant, or company secretary, don’t wait for enforcement to catch up.