Context
Companies House has published a blog setting out its belief that new identity verification checks for company Directors and ‘Persons with Significant Control’ (PSCs) is ‘good for business’. The blog reminds all interested parties that Companies House is introducing identity verification to help make the information on the public Companies House register more reliable. This is good news for business, users of the register and efforts to tackle economic crime.
Key points to note and next actions
From 18th November 2025, directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be legally required to verify their identity. Companies House will be phasing this in over 12 months and will contact companies with guidance on what to do and when. Identity verification will help make sure that the people setting up, running and controlling companies are who they say they are. This will:
- improve the accuracy and reliability of data on the register;
- strengthen protections against fraud; and
- support a more transparent and trusted business environment.
By linking verified individuals to their company roles and activity, Companies House will be better able to spot suspicious patterns and respond to potential risks. It will also prevent unverified or false identities – such as fictional or deceased individuals – from being added to the register. The introduction of identity verification will make it much harder to use the register to create anonymous corporate structures that enable fraud, corruption or other criminal activity