The ECCTA Countdown is On: How to Prepare for New Companies House IDV Rules

A major shift is coming to the way UK companies manage their records. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), Companies House will soon start requiring identity verification for directors, people with significant control (PSCs) and anyone who files documents on a company’s behalf.

The goal behind the change is clear: crack down on fraud and bring more transparency to the register. But for governance professionals, the impact is more operational. That means figuring out how the new rules fit into day-to-day operations, making sure the right people understand what’s changing and setting up the tools to manage it all smoothly. We’re working with governance teams now to make sure they’re ready well before the deadlines hit.

‍What’s Changing

As of 8 April 2025, individuals have the option to verify their identity voluntarily through Companies House. By the fall, this step becomes mandatory for all new directors and PSCs at the point of appointment or incorporation. While existing directors and PSCs have a 12-month grace period to complete their verification, by spring 2026 the requirement will extend to anyone filing documents for a company.

Verification can be completed directly through the GOV.UK One Login or by working with an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, such as a solicitor or accountant. Once verified, individuals receive a unique 11-character personal code. This code is not tied to any specific company. It connects a person’s verified identity to their official roles within Companies House records.

Starting in the fall of 2025, this personal code will be required for activities such as being appointed as a director, being registered as a PSC or filing a confirmation statement. As such, the code must be treated with the same level of care as a taxpayer reference. While it can be shared with someone filing on your behalf, it should be protected and stored securely.

What’s at Risk

Non-compliance with these requirements carries serious implications. Without identity verification, individuals won’t be able to incorporate new companies or submit filings. Fines and criminal charges are possible for those who fail to comply. In more severe cases, someone could be disqualified from acting as a director altogether.

Beyond the penalties, there’s also the real issue of identity fraud. There have been documented cases of people being named as directors of companies without their knowledge. These reforms are designed to eliminate that kind of risk.

Athennian helps organizations meet these new requirements with structure and confidence. Our platform keeps director and PSC data centralized, tracks IDV status in real time and stores personal IDV codes securely. Automated workflows ensure verification deadlines are never missed, while access controls protect sensitive information.

If your team works with an ACSP, our integrations make it easier to coordinate submissions and track their progress. With Athennian, you don’t need to manage identity compliance manually or in silos.

Why Now is the Time to Act

Although the deadlines may seem months away, operationalizing this kind of compliance — especially across large or complex portfolios — takes planning. Reviewing records, updating onboarding processes and educating internal teams all take time. Starting now gives you the chance to set up systems that are efficient, consistent and future-ready.

Athennian is here to help you build that foundation. As Companies House & ECCTA continue to evolve, you need more than awareness. You need technology and workflows that scale.