Authorised corporate service provider (ACSP)
In short. An authorised corporate service provider (ACSP) is an agent, such as an accountant, solicitor or company formation agent, that is registered with Companies House to act for clients. To register, an agent must be supervised by a UK anti-money laundering body. ACSPs can verify people's identities for Companies House.
Last checked against its sources on 10 October 2026. How we write these.
ACSPs are part of the changes brought in by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which aim to give Companies House a clearer picture of who is filing information on the public register. Companies House also calls them authorised agents.
The agent can be a business or a sole trader, and the person applying must hold a senior role, such as a director. Registration depends on supervision by a recognised UK anti-money laundering supervisor, which is why accountants and solicitors are the usual examples.
Since 8 April 2025, ACSPs have been able to tell Companies House that they have verified someone's identity, which is one of the two routes for directors and people with significant control. The other is to verify directly with Companies House using GOV.UK One Login.
Companies House has said that, in future, agents who file on behalf of clients will also need to register as ACSPs. The timetable for that has moved more than once, so check the current position on GOV.UK before relying on a date.
Questions people ask
Do I have to use an ACSP to verify my identity?
No. You can verify directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login, or ask an ACSP to do it for you, which some people find easier if they cannot use the online route.
How do I check that an agent is a genuine ACSP?
Ask for their registration details and check them against Companies House guidance. Be wary of unexpected messages offering verification: Companies House warns about scams that pretend to come from it.
Sources
- Being an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) (GOV.UK) checked 10 October 2026
- Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) to verify your identity (GOV.UK) checked 10 October 2026