Economic Crime Act Director Obligations - UK Compliance Guide

Directors of UK companies now face additional compliance responsibilities under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The reforms are designed to improve corporate transparency, prevent fraudulent company appointments and make Companies House information more reliable.

For directors, compliance increasingly means keeping company information accurate, completing identity verification and ensuring statutory filings are made correctly and on time.

What Are the Economic Crime Act Director Obligations?

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act introduced important obligations affecting company directors and other individuals connected with UK companies.

A director should ensure that:

• Their identity is verified where legally required

• Their Companies House personal code is provided when required

• Their appointment is properly notified to Companies House

• Company information remains accurate and up to date

• Required confirmation statements and accounts are filed on time

• Changes to directors, PSCs and company details are reported correctly

• They do not continue acting as a director when prohibited from doing so

• Company records and ownership information are maintained properly

These requirements form part of wider UK corporate transparency and economic crime reforms.

Director Identity Verification

Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025. Existing directors are being brought into the system through a 12-month transition period, while new directors must meet the verification requirements when forming or joining a company.

A director can verify their identity directly through Companies House or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

After successful verification, the director receives a Companies House personal code. This code is connected to the individual rather than the company and may be required when completing relevant Companies House filings.

Existing Directors and Confirmation Statements

Existing directors generally provide their personal code when their company's next confirmation statement is filed.

This means directors should not wait until the filing deadline to consider their verification status. Companies with several directors should make sure all relevant directors have completed the required process before the confirmation statement is submitted.

Failure to complete the required verification can create compliance problems and may prevent a company from completing certain filings.

New Director Appointments

A person becoming a director must satisfy the relevant identity verification requirements before their appointment can be properly registered.

Companies also have responsibilities when appointing directors. The appointment must be notified to Companies House within the applicable filing period, together with the required verification information.

Directors should therefore ensure that appointments are handled correctly rather than relying on informal internal records.

Keeping Companies House Information Accurate

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency reforms reinforce the importance of accurate corporate information.

Directors should regularly check information relating to:

• Directors and company officers

• People with Significant Control

• Registered office

• Company activities

• Share information

• Company records

• Filing obligations

Incorrect or outdated information can create compliance problems and may result in Companies House taking enforcement action.

Overseas Directors and International Companies

UK companies can have overseas-resident directors, but international status does not remove Companies House obligations.

An overseas director may still need to complete identity verification and provide the required personal code. Overseas companies with UK establishments can also have additional registration and reporting responsibilities.

This is particularly important for international property investors, offshore structures and businesses operating through UK companies.

What Happens If a Director Does Not Comply?

Non-compliance can have serious consequences. Depending on the obligation and circumstances, enforcement can involve financial penalties, offences, restrictions on acting as a director, prosecution or other Companies House action.

A director should therefore treat identity verification and corporate filing requirements as ongoing responsibilities rather than one-off administrative tasks.

Fraser Bond Economic Crime Act Compliance Support

Fraser Bond provides practical support for UK company administration and corporate compliance. Our services can assist directors, property companies, overseas investors and international businesses dealing with Companies House requirements.

Support can include director verification administration, Companies House filing support, corporate records, PSC compliance, registered office services and general UK company administration.

For property investors and businesses operating through UK companies, keeping corporate obligations organised can help reduce unnecessary compliance risks.

Get Support With UK Director Compliance

If you are a UK company director, overseas investor or property business dealing with the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, Fraser Bond can help you manage the administrative and compliance requirements surrounding your company.

Professional support can be particularly useful where a company has multiple directors, overseas directors, PSC changes or ongoing Companies House filing obligations.