By AAT Comment Anti-money laundering Important update on Authorised Corporate Services Providers 5 Mar 2026 The implementation timeline for ‘presenter’ identity verification measures has been extended. The initial deadline of Spring 2026 for the mandatory identification verification for those submitting/filling/presenting information to Companies House (‘presenters’) has been postponed until no earlier than November 2026. ‘Presenters’ will be required to be identity verified or registered as an Authorised Corporate Services Provider (ACSP). The deadline has been postponed to prioritise the completion of the identity verification transition period for directors and PSCs, and to give Companies House more time to address stakeholder feedback. What AAT says We urge our members to make a well-informed decision about whether becoming an ACSP is the right fit for their firm, particularly in light of compliance risks. This is a separate identity verification standard set by Companies House which is different from the risk-based approach taken in AML compliance. Also, if the evidence is being checked by a person, they must be trained in detecting false documents and be familiar with the guidance on examining identity documents to detect basic forgeries. Companies House cannot recommend any specific training providers but they must follow the Home Office best practice guide. There are also different record-keeping requirements according to which identity verification documentation for ACSP purposes must be kept for 7 years. There will be offenses in relation to breach of record keeping or late submission of information requested by the registrar. Read more about ACSPs There’s also more about ACSPs on Knowledge Hub, including the below articles. Identity verification and Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs): what you need to know ACSPs, are you meeting the Companies House ID verification standard? What can you do to be accepted as an ACSP by Companies House? AAT Comment offers news and opinion on the world of business and finance from the Association of Accounting Technicians.