From September 2025, an important change is arriving for businesses across the UK: all company agents will be required to register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).
This move is part of a major push to make UK company filings more transparent and to help fight fraud. But if you’re working with Simplex, you can breathe a sigh of relief. We’re already fully ACSP-registered and compliant, so you’re covered without lifting a finger.
What is an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider)?
An ACSP is a verified agent or business that is officially authorised to file information and verify client identities with Companies House.
This new system is designed to make it clear who is filing information on the public register and ensure that only trusted professionals handle sensitive business data. It helps protect against fraud, fake filings, and misuse of company information.
Why are these changes happening?
These new rules form part of the government’s wider anti-fraud and corporate transparency reforms. By making sure that only authorised, supervised agents can act on behalf of companies, it becomes much harder for bad actors to hide behind fake information or unverified filings.
Ultimately, this strengthens trust in UK businesses and helps directors and shareholders feel more secure.
Who needs to become an ACSP?
Right now, any agent who verifies client identities for Companies House must register as an ACSP. Over time, this requirement will expand to all agents who file information on behalf of clients.
To register, agents need to be supervised by a UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisory body. This includes accountants, company formation agents, and solicitors.
For businesses, this means it is crucial to work with a professional who has already taken these steps. Otherwise, you could face delays or even compliance issues.
What are the legal responsibilities for ACSPs?
ACSPs aren’t just ticking a box. They have strict legal responsibilities to uphold, including:
Remaining registered with an AML supervisory body at all times.
Informing Companies House of any changes to registration details within 14 days.
Keeping identity check records for 7 years if they verify clients.
Providing detailed information upon request, including evidence of filings and identity checks.
Failure to meet these responsibilities can lead to fines, criminal prosecution, suspension, or permanent loss of ACSP status.
What happens if an agent doesn’t comply?
If an agent fails to comply, Companies House can:
Suspend the agent’s status, stopping them from filing or verifying identities.
Cease their status permanently, closing their agent account entirely.
Impose fines or take legal action against responsible individuals.
This could create serious headaches for businesses relying on non-compliant agents, including needing to re-verify directors’ identities or potentially facing filing delays.
Why you don’t need to worry with Simplex
Here is the good news: at Simplex, we are always one step ahead.
✅ We are already fully registered as an ACSP, so you remain compliant without any extra paperwork.
✅ Your filings continue seamlessly, on time, and fully in line with the new legislation.
✅ You are protected from fraud risks and hidden complications that could come from using unregistered agents.
When you work with us, you can focus on running and growing your business, confident that we are handling the legal and compliance side with care and expertise.
Looking ahead: trust and transparency
These new ACSP requirements mark a big shift for UK companies, but it is a change that ultimately benefits everyone. By increasing trust and transparency, businesses will enjoy a more secure environment, and directors can feel confident knowing exactly who is managing their data.
At Simplex, we see these changes as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to protecting you and keeping things simple.
Have questions? We’re here to help
If you are unsure about how the new ACSP rules might impact your business, or you just want reassurance that you are covered, we are always here to chat.
👉 Book a call with us or send us a message today.
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