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ARTICLE · 16 JUNE 2025

Understanding ECCTA: Identity Verification

Gowling WLG
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In this latest article in our 'Understanding the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA)' series, we focus on the new requirements for key persons associated with Companies House entities...

United KingdomCorporate/Commercial Law
Sharon Ayres
Sharon Ayres
Caroline Williams
Caroline Williams
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In this latest article in our 'Understanding the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA)' series, we focus on the new requirements for key persons associated with Companies House entities to verify their identity via a mandatory identity verification (IDV) regime.

Since March 2025, it has been possible to carry out IDV on a voluntary basis, but the new mandatory requirements are due to commence in the Autumn. We outline who needs to undertake the IDV, how it can be done, the timeframe for completing the process and the consequences for failing to comply.

Who needs to verify their identity?

Companies: The requirement to carry out IDV will apply from Autumn 2025 to individuals appointed as a director for the first time, and the company must ensure that the director does not act until the verification has been completed. Companies will need to provide the IDV credentials of existing directors when they file their next confirmation statement due

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