Boardroom Briefings: Companies House changes 2025 update

There have been significant updates at Companies House, following the adoption of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. In this overview, our experts at Ogier Global explain what is on the horizon and how we can assist clients in planning for these changes.  

Changes so far

As mentioned in the previous briefing, demystifying Companies House changes, the role of Companies House is changing to facilitate an improvement in the transparency of UK companies and other entities. This aims to provide an improved business environment while tackling economic crime, fraud and supporting national security measures. 

Part of this role change required the need to increase headcount substantially at Companies House to take on this more labour-intensive verification role. As a result, a greater investment of resources and infrastructure was made, leading to an increase of fees at Companies House effective from 1 May 2024. 

From the 4 March 2024, all companies filing their annual confirmation statement needed to provide a registered email address and a confirmation that current and future activities of the company will be lawful. These are small but important changes to achieve the overall aims of the Act. Companies also needed to ensure an appropriate registered office address was in place, the biggest impact of which was the exclusion of a PO Box or similar service address. At Ogier, we provide a London registered office service as part of our suite of corporate services in the UK. Get in contact with our expert team to learn more about our services. 

Upcoming changes 

Changes to identity verification checks 

Further changes to Companies House's ways of working will shortly kick in. Notably, the launch of the voluntary verification of identity process on 25 March 2025, followed by the mandatory verification of identity process at the time of incorporation and new appointments of directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) in Autumn 2025. 

This Autumn launch date will also begin a 12 month transition phase, requiring existing directors and PSCs to verify their identity via the annual confirmation statement filing process. These individuals will be expected to provide photographic ID and proof of address documents. Make sure to factor in the extra time needed to collate any additional requests from Companies House as part of your usual year end filing timelines. 

Ogier in the UK will be registering itself as an authorised corporate services provider as soon as the infrastructure to do so is launched. This will allow our clients to enjoy a smoother experience as we can handle these verification checks on their behalf using our existing due diligence processes. 

Protection of personal information 

Looking further ahead, there are additional changes scheduled for the medium-term future including additional mechanisms for the protection of personal information and a requirement for all accounts to be filed electronically, initially and then by software only with eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) tagging. 

If you are used to hard copy paper filings, you may wish to consider adopting a software solution now, so you have time to onboard it and adapt your processes before the mandatory roll-out currently expected in 2027.  Our client accounting team already have these solutions in place and stand ready to assist our clients adapt to this change. 

Should any of our network require assistance as they adapt to these changes, we are well positioned to help you with any of the additional requirements as they come through and can assist our clients to navigate the road ahead. 

Make sure to look for further Boardroom Briefings as we make continued updates on the progress of these changes and more.  

Ogier Global's Corporate Services team 

At Ogier, our adaptability is a key strength that allow us to support clients navigate the ever-evolving trends. Our corporate and fiduciary services division has a dedicated team of professionals specialising in the setup, administration and management of entities in all markets with specialisms in real estate, private wealth and debt capital markets / structured finance structures. Learn more about Ogier Global’s services. 

Useful links

Learn more about Ogier in London

Read the UK Governments changes to UK company law - Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.

Read the UK Governments changes to Companies House fees

Read the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 (legislation.gov.uk) 

Read the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (legislation.gov.uk)

About Ogier

Ogier is a professional services firm with the knowledge and expertise to handle the most demanding and complex transactions and provide expert, efficient and cost-effective services to all our clients. We regularly win awards for the quality of our client service, our work and our people.

Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

Regulatory information can be found under Legal Notice