The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 will require identity verification for certain company individuals, including directors, starting 18 November 2025.
SUMMARY
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) introduces a number of reforms for companies, including the introduction of identity verification procedures for specified individuals, including directors. These provisions come into force from 18th November 2025.
Previously, it was not a legal requirement for company directors to verify their identities with Companies House. One of ECCTA’s objectives is to “prevent organised criminals, fraudsters, kleptocrats and terrorists from using companies and other corporate entities to abuse the UK’s open economy”. This is achieved by strengthening the legislative framework around who can be a director of a company and by ensuring that all directors will have their identity verified at Companies House.
This new requirement will apply to directors of residents’ management companies and right to manage (RTM) companies. From 18th November 2025 onwards, existing (and new) directors will be required to have their identity verified.
