Corporate leaders express concern over identity confusion due to fresh regulations mandating directors to authenticate their identities
Starting from November 18, 2025, the UK is implementing mandatory identity verification (IDV) for company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs) as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Here are the key details and requirements:
Implementation Details
The mandatory IDV process is being phased over a 12-month transition period to simplify implementation for companies. The process begins on November 18, 2025.
Requirements for Directors and PSCs
- New directors must verify their identity before being appointed to an existing company or incorporating a new company.
- Existing directors need to confirm IDV when filing the next annual confirmation statement during the transition period.
- New PSCs must verify their identity within a specified timeframe, with a 14-day window to submit confirmation.
- Existing PSCs must verify their identity in line with an appointed day within 12 months of the start of mandatory IDV.
Verification Process
Individuals can verify their identity through Companies House using the GOV.UK One Login service or via an authorized corporate service provider. Upon verification, individuals receive a unique identifier (IDV personal code) to provide in relevant Companies House filings.
Impact and Goals
Approximately 6 to 7 million individuals are expected to complete IDV by mid-November 2026. The process aims to enhance transparency and trust in the Companies House register by preventing misuse by organized criminals and fraudsters.
It is important to note that only 300,000 company directors have completed identity checks since an online portal opened for voluntary registrations in April this year. This figure might relate to the voluntary phase or early adopters preparing for the mandatory requirement.
The Government confirmed the roll-out date despite fears that the imminent shake-up of Companies House will spark chaos among businesses. However, specific details about the chaos that businesses fear were not provided.
Investment platforms such as AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown, interactive investor, InvestEngine, and Trading 212 may be affected by these new rules, but the article does not provide information about any special offers or promotions related to the new company director identity verification rules.
Some business owners who have completed the checks have found it to be cumbersome and time-consuming. The identity verification process has already caused confusion among businesses. Each platform has a "Learn More" option for further information.
[1] GOV.UK: Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
[2] GOV.UK: Company director identity verification
[3] GOV.UK: Verify your identity with Companies House
[4] GOV.UK: Persons with significant control (PSCs)
[5] GOV.UK: Guidance for companies and limited liability partnerships on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
- The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which includes policy-and-legislation for mandatory identity verification (IDV) of company directors and persons with significant control (PSCs), has significant implications for the finance and business sectors.
- The implementation of IDV in the UK, starting from November 18, 2025, could impact the general-news landscape as it aims to increase transparency and trust in the business world, but may also cause chaos among businesses due to its complexity.
- The roll-out of these new rules, which require verification of identity through Companies House or authorized corporate service providers, might also affect popular investment platforms like AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown, interactive investor, InvestEngine, and Trading 212. Yet, specific details about any special offers or promotions related to the new company director identity verification rules have not been disclosed.
