Significant Companies House changes in 2025: What you need to know
James Messenger, 7th April, 2025
The UK’s company registration system is evolving in 2025 with sweeping reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. These changes aim to clamp down on fraud, improve corporate transparency, and give Companies House greater enforcement powers.
In this short blog, James Messenger highlights the key things businesses need to know to stay compliant and ahead of the curve.
What are the changes?
Mandatory identity verification for directors, PSCs & LLP members
Starting autumn 2025, it will become compulsory that anyone involved in setting up, running, or controlling a UK company will need to verify their identity before filing with Companies House. This applies to:
- Directors of UK companies
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)—major shareholders or decision-makers
- Members of LLPs and managing officers of relevant legal entities
The verification process must be done via a GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), tightening security and reducing fraudulent company registrations.
Companies House gains more power to enforce compliance
One of the biggest reforms is Companies House’s newfound authority to challenge and reject filings that appear suspicious or inaccurate. Expect:
- Stricter financial reporting standards to prevent misuse of corporate structures
- New shareholder disclosure requirements for increased transparency
- Greater scrutiny of corporate directors
Essentially, if a submission seems fraudulent or misleading, Companies House now has the power to question, reject, and even impose penalties.
Data Privacy & Protection: Suppressing personal information
Under current rules, once personal information (such as home addresses) is filed, it remains public. But from spring/summer 2025, individuals can apply to suppress historical personal details in specific circumstances—helping protect privacy and reduce risks of identity fraud.
What do you need to do?
With these changes on the horizon, companies should start preparing now to avoid last-minute compliance headaches. Key steps include:
- Ensure directors and PSCs are prepared for identify verification
- Check whether your filing agent qualifies as an ACSP
- Review company structures and disclosure requirements to align with new regulations
- Assess personal information risks and prepare for data suppression requests
This overhaul represents a fundamental shift in UK corporate governance, with tougher security and accountability measures.
Get in touch today...
If you want to understand how these changes may affect you or your business, please get in touch with a member of our Corporate team today on 01482 324252.
About the Author: James Messenger
