Anti Money Laundering Director Verification UK

Professional Support for UK Company Director Identity and AML Compliance

Anti money laundering director verification UK has become an important part of modern UK company compliance. Companies House identity verification is now a legal requirement for company directors and people with significant control, supporting wider efforts to prevent companies from being misused for fraud, money laundering and other financial crime.

Although Companies House identity verification and AML checks are not exactly the same process, they are closely connected where professional corporate service providers verify identities on behalf of clients.

What Is Director Verification?

Director verification confirms that an individual is genuinely the person claiming to be a company director. Once successfully verified, the individual receives a Companies House personal code.

A director may verify directly through GOV.UK One Login or use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. An ACSP, such as an eligible accountant, solicitor or company formation professional, must be registered with Companies House and supervised under UK anti-money laundering requirements.

How AML Compliance Relates to Director Verification

An AML-supervised corporate service provider may carry out appropriate customer due diligence before verifying a director's identity for Companies House.

Depending on the circumstances, checks may include:

• Identity verification

• Identification document checks

• Beneficial ownership information

• Client risk assessment

• Understanding the purpose of the company

• Source of funds or wealth checks where appropriate

• Maintaining compliance records

These checks help professional service providers assess the risk associated with a client while meeting their legal and regulatory responsibilities.

Who Needs Director Verification?

Individual directors of UK companies are required to verify their identity. This also applies to directors of overseas companies registered through a UK establishment.

For existing directors, the timing is linked to the company's confirmation statement during the current transition period. New directors must provide their personal code as part of the relevant appointment filing.

If a director holds positions in multiple companies, their personal code is connected to each relevant company role.

Using an AML-Supervised ACSP

For clients who prefer professional assistance, an Authorised Corporate Service Provider can complete the Companies House identity verification process on their behalf.

This can be particularly useful for:

• Overseas directors

• International investors

• Non-UK resident company owners

• Property investment companies

• Corporate groups

• Entrepreneurs establishing UK companies

• Clients requiring ongoing corporate administration

An ACSP must meet Companies House requirements and have appropriate UK AML supervision.

Overseas Director Verification

A director does not necessarily need to be resident in the UK to become a director of a UK company. Non-UK directors can verify their identity through the available Companies House routes.

A biometric passport from any country can be used through the GOV.UK One Login route where the individual meets the relevant requirements. An ACSP can also provide an alternative verification route from overseas.

Fraser Bond Anti Money Laundering Director Verification UK

Fraser Bond provides professional corporate administration support for UK and international clients dealing with director appointments, identity verification and Companies House compliance.

Support can include:

• Director appointment administration

• Companies House identity verification coordination

• AML compliance support

• Registered office services

• PSC administration

• Company secretarial support

• Overseas director assistance

• UK company compliance reviews

Proper verification is more than simply submitting a Companies House form. Directors must ensure their identity information is accurate and that the company maintains appropriate corporate records.

Arrange Professional Director Verification Support

If you need anti money laundering director verification UK support for a new or existing company, Fraser Bond can assist with the practical compliance and corporate administration process.

Professional support can help UK companies and overseas owners understand their verification obligations, organise the required information and maintain accurate Companies House records.