Key changes and impacts for UK companies from 18 November 2025

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA)

The Economic and Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) represent one of the most significant overhauls of UK company law in decades. The Act is primarily aimed at combating economic crime, enhancing corporate transparency, and preventing the misuse of corporate structures for fraud and money laundering.

First Enacted in October 2023, the Act is being implemented in phases, with the first major tranche of reforms taking effect on 18 November 2025. These changes will transform Companies House from passive repository into an active gatekeeper with enhanced powers to query, reject and remove inaccurate information from Companies House.

From 18 November 2025, the first focus shifts to mandatory identity verification, streamlined statutory registers and stricter filing requirements. This article outlines the key changes, their practical implications for UK companies, and steps for compliance.

Mandatory Identity Verification (IDV)

A cornerstone of the ECCTA is the requirement for individuals in key roles in a company to verify their identity with Companies House. This is to reduce the risk of fraudulent appointments.

• Who must verify: All new and existing directors, persons with significant control (PSC), and LLP members of UK incorporated companies. This also extends to directors of overseas companies with a UK establishment and individual members/PSC of LLPs.
• Timeline for new appointees: From 18 November 2025, verification is compulsory at the point of forming a new company or appointing a new director for existing companies. New directors/PSCs must provide a unique personal code issued by Companies House.
• Transition of existing individuals: A 12-month period begins on 18 November 2025. Existing directors and LLP members must verify before their company’s next confirmation statement. PSCs follow staggered deadlines, often tied to birth months or confirmation statements.
• How to verify: A director or PSC can directly via Companies House (using GOV.UK One Login) or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as Anti Money Laundering supervised accountants or a firm of solicitors.

Non-compliance is a criminal offence, potentially leading to fines, disqualification, or inability to file confirmation statements.

Enhanced Confirmation Statement and Filings Obligations

Confirmation statements after 18 November 2025 must include verified personal codes for directors and PSCs. Companies House will have greater powers to query suspicious filings and change inappropriate registered office addresses.

New offences include acting as director without timely notification of appointment (within 14 days) and persistent filing breaches, and so expanding the grounds for disqualification of directors.

Removal of Statutory Register Requirements

From 18 November 2025, companies will no longer be required to maintain their own:

• Register of directors;
• Register of directors’ residential addresses;
• Register of secretaries;
• Register of PSCs

Instead, Companies House records will serve as the authoritative source for this information. This reduces the administrative burdens on companies but increases reliance on companies making accurate filings. The option for private companies to hold member registers centrally in a public register is also abolished. All must now maintain their own register of members.

Broader Context and Related Reforms

While not commencing on 18 November 2025, related changes amplify the impact:

• Failure to Prevent Fraud (from 1 September 2025): Large organisations (250+ employees, £36million + turnover, or £18 million+ in assets) can be held criminally liable for fraud by associates which also benefits the company unless reasonable prevention procedures are put in place.
• Earlier requirements (for example need for appropriate registered office and email addresses) remain in force.

Impacts on Companies

Overall, the ECCTA strengthens the UK’s business environment but demands proactive adaptation. Companies must now be more diligent in corporate governance, financial filing and ensuring lawful purposes for their formation.

Action Steps for Compliance

1. Verify in time: Encourage directors and People with Significant Control (PSC) to complete voluntary identification (using GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)).
2. Review deadlines: Check confirmation statement dates and PSC birth months to transition at the appropriate time.
3. Update registers: Transfer any member data held at Companies House on the public register to a locally maintained register before 18 November 2025.
4. Seek advice: Consult ACSPs or legal experts for assistance particularly for group companies or companies with complex structures

By preparing now, companies can minimise disruptions and contribute to a more trustworthy corporate landscape. Failure to act risks criminal sanctions and operational hurdles.

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