In the spotlight : ECCTA: Director and PSC verification
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) is bringing about the biggest changes to Companies House since it was established in 1844.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of identity verification for all new and existing registered company directors, People with Significant Control, and those delivering documents to the Registrar.
The rules apply to:
• Directors and PSCs of companies incorporated in the UK;
• Both existing companies and newly incorporated companies;
• Members/ partners of LLPs and limited partnerships; and
• Anyone else making filings at Companies House (such as lawyers or company secretarial service providers)
Consequences of non-compliance:
• Criminal proceedings – which could result in a fine;
• Civil penalties issued by Companies House;
• Incorporations/ registration of a new company being rejected;
• Being unable to file statutory filings; and
• The public register being annotated to show the individual’s status as ‘unverified’