The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) marks the most significant changes to Companies House since corporate registrations began in 1844 and DTM Legal can help ensure companies are compliant.

Building on the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act, which introduced the Register of Overseas Entities in August 2022, both acts represent substantial progress in combating economic crime and enhancing corporate transparency. Major updates will be phased in, with a key deadline on 18 November 2025 which will focus on company registers and identity verification.

From this date, new legal requirements will affect all company directors, individuals with significant control (PSCs), and anyone filing on behalf of a company, such as solicitors and accountants. The ECCTA applies to all entities registered with Companies House, including but not limited to private limited companies, public limited companies (PLCs), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), limited partnerships (LPs), community interest companies (CICs), and overseas companies.

Key Changes from 18 November 2025:

Company Registers:

Companies will no longer need to keep hold of registers of directors, directors’ residential addresses, secretaries, and PSCs.
Business occupation details for company directors will not be required during registration.
The central register will be removed, but companies must still register this information with Companies House and keep a shareholders’ register either at the registered office or a single alternative inspection location (SAIL).

Identity Verification:

All company directors and PSCs will be legally required to verify their identity under the ECCTA. Requirements vary depending on the role, with directors needing a personal code and verification statement, while PSCs provide their personal code to Companies House.

DTM Legal’s Assistance:

DTM Legal is authorised as an ACSP and can help ensure compliance with the new regulations, including the ACSP requirements and ID verification processes. Utilising digital solutions via our AML Partner, Thirdfort, we offer Enhanced NFC ID checks that meet Companies House verification requirements.

As well as helping ensure compliance with the new ID verification requirements, DTM Legal can also deal any other Companies House filings for you. Keeping up with your company’s legal filing and other administrative requirements is essential and time-consuming. We can act as company secretary for your company, as we already do for many of our clients, to ensure legal compliance, avoid penalties and other problems in the event of future sales or investments.