The Countdown to Director ID Verification: Why Accountants should act now
The clock is ticking. From 18th November, all company directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) will be required to verify their identity with Companies House before they can be appointed or file a confirmation statement.
That’s over 7 million people needing verification — and with just weeks to go, time is already running short.
For accountants, this change represents both a challenge and a huge opportunity. By registering as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), you can take charge of the process for your clients, protect your relationships, and add real value at a time when businesses need trusted guidance more than ever.
Here’s why accountants should act now:
Avoid bottlenecks and delays
We all know human nature. Many directors will leave their verification until the very last minute, and with millions trying to self-verify through Companies House, bottlenecks and delays are inevitable. For your clients, that could mean missed filings, late penalties, or stalled transactions.
By offering the verification service yourself, you stay in control. Your clients avoid the queues, reduce frustration, and keep their filings on track.
Deliver real customer service
With a lot of publicity about the new Companies House director verification requirements, your clients will likely already be turning to you for guidance. But why stop at just giving advice? By handling the process for them, you remove complexity and ensure everything is completed correctly the first time.
Handling the process in-house reassures clients, saves them time, and demonstrates that you are proactive in safeguarding their compliance obligations.
Protect and strengthen client relationships
In times of regulatory change, clients will seek out whoever can provide the simplest solution. If you don’t step in, they could turn to competitors offering ID verification — and once they do, you risk losing not just the verification work but the wider client relationship.
Be proactive, not reactive, and keep your clients’ trust where it belongs.
Eliminate AML duplication
The need to verify your client’s identity doesn’t just fall within Companies House requirements. Under AML regulations, all accountants are required to conduct customer due diligence checks to ensure they minimise the risk of facilitating money laundering. With the right technology, your clients will only need to verify their ID once to satisfy both your AML obligations and the new Companies House requirements.
That means less duplication, less admin, and more time saved for both you and your clients.
A smarter way to verify a director’s ID with Credas
At Credas, we’ve developed a Director ID Verification Check specifically designed to help ACSPs take control of this process. Our solution is Companies House-compliant, easy to use, and fully brandable, so your firm stays front and centre with your clients throughout the journey.
With the November deadline fast approaching, now is the time to prepare. Don’t let bottlenecks, client frustration, or lost business catch you off guard.
To take charge and protect your relationships, book a demo today!
