Companies House Authorised Agent Service

Professional Companies House Support for Identity Verification and Corporate Compliance

A Companies House authorised agent service provides professional assistance with Companies House requirements, particularly identity verification for company directors and people with significant control. An authorised agent is formally known as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP.

ACSPs can be businesses or individuals that provide corporate services on behalf of clients. To become an ACSP, an agent must be supervised by an appropriate UK Anti-Money Laundering body and meet Companies House requirements.

What Does a Companies House Authorised Agent Do?

An authorised agent can verify a client's identity for Companies House and notify Companies House once the required checks have been completed.

Depending on the provider, additional corporate services may include:

• Director identity verification

• PSC identity verification

• Companies House filing support

• Company formation assistance

• Registered office services

• Company secretarial administration

• Corporate compliance support

• Overseas director assistance

• UK company administration

The services offered can vary between individual ACSPs.

Companies House Identity Verification Service

A major role of an authorised agent is helping directors and PSCs complete identity verification.

The client provides their personal information and acceptable identity evidence. The ACSP carries out the required checks according to the Companies House identity verification standard.

Once the verification is successfully reported, Companies House provides the individual with a personal code. The code is then used to connect the verified identity with the relevant company records.

Who Can Use an Authorised Agent?

Companies House authorised agent services can be useful for:

• UK company directors

• People with significant control

• Overseas directors

• Non-UK resident entrepreneurs

• International investors

• Property companies

• Corporate groups

• Businesses requiring ongoing Companies House support

Identity verification through an ACSP can be completed from any country, making the service particularly useful for international clients.

AML Requirements for Authorised Agents

An ACSP must remain registered with at least one appropriate UK AML supervisory body. This provides an important compliance framework for professionals handling corporate and identity verification services.

ACSPs must also retain records of identity checks for seven years when they verify someone's identity for Companies House.

Companies considering an authorised agent should check the provider's current status and experience before engaging them. Companies House publishes a list of ACSPs, although the published list may not contain every registered provider.

Choosing a Companies House Authorised Agent Service

When selecting an authorised agent, consider:

• Current ACSP registration

• AML supervision

• Experience with Companies House

• Identity verification capabilities

• Remote verification availability

• Experience with overseas clients

• Corporate administration services

• Fees and service terms

A reputable provider should clearly explain the verification process, documents required, applicable fees and services included.

Fraser Bond Companies House Authorised Agent Service

Fraser Bond provides professional corporate administration support for UK businesses and international clients dealing with Companies House requirements.

Support can include director and PSC administration, identity verification coordination, company formation assistance, registered office services and ongoing corporate compliance support.

For businesses looking for a Companies House authorised agent service, professional assistance can make identity verification and corporate administration more structured while helping directors and companies meet their UK obligations.