Authorised Corporate Service Provider Scheme Explained

The UK is introducing new rules to improve transparency and prevent the misuse of corporate entities. One of the biggest developments is the Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) scheme, part of the broader reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

If your business provides company formation services or acts on behalf of clients to register or manage UK companies, this scheme could significantly impact how you operate.

This post explains everything you need to know about the Authorised Corporate Service Provider framework, including who it applies to, what it means in practice, and how to stay compliant.

What Is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a firm or individual that is authorised to form companies and file documents with Companies House on behalf of clients.

Under new regulations, only ACSPs will be able to deliver certain filings to Companies House on behalf of others. The aim is to ensure that entities providing these services are properly supervised and regulated, helping to combat fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

To act as an ACSP, a provider must:

• Be registered with a supervisory body for anti-money laundering (AML) purposes
• Register with Companies House as an ACSP
• Verify the identity of clients and any beneficial owners

Why Is the ACSP Scheme Being Introduced?

The scheme is part of the UK government’s efforts to increase corporate transparency, reduce economic crime, and improve the accuracy of the data held at Companies House.

Historically, it has been possible for anyone to submit filings on behalf of a company, with minimal verification. This has led to cases of fraudulent registrations and misuse of UK company structures.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 brings in:

• Tighter rules for company formation
• Identity verification for directors and beneficial owners
• Restrictions on who can file documents on behalf of others

Read more about the Act on GOV.UK

What Does This Mean for People Looking to Form a Company?

If you are starting a new company in the UK, the ACSP rules affect how and with whom you can form your business. Under the new regulations:

• Only ACSP-registered agents will be allowed to submit formation documents on your behalf.
• You will need to verify your identity as part of the company formation process, whether registering directly or through an ACSP.
• You should ensure that any provider you use is listed as an ACSP on Companies House.
• DIY formations will still be possible, but with new ID verification steps and stricter rules.

This means transparency and security will improve, but you’ll need to be prepared to share official ID documents and work with verified professionals like Formations Wise.

For business owners, this could reduce the risk of fraud, improve data quality, and help create a more secure environment for UK companies. But it also means choosing your company formation partner more carefully.

Who Needs to Register as an ACSP?

You need to register as an ACSP if:

• You file documents at Companies House on behalf of clients
• You form companies or limited partnerships for others
• You provide nominee services or manage filings as part of company secretarial work

This typically applies to:

• Company formation agents
• Legal and accountancy firms offering corporate services
• Trust and company service providers (TCSPs)

If your business falls into any of these categories and you are not registered as an ACSP, you will no longer be able to file on behalf of clients once the new rules come into effect.