ECCTA 2023: The Complete Compliance Guide for UK Companies in 2026

By Sharcross Agyemang, Founder & CEO of Novaen Corporate

If you formed a UK company recently, or you're planning to, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) has changed the rules. Not in a small way. In a fundamental, "this affects every director and shareholder" way.

This guide breaks down what's changed, what's coming, and what you actually need to do about it.

What Is ECCTA 2023?

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act was passed to clean up the UK company register. Companies House was, for decades, essentially a filing cabinet. Anyone could register a company with minimal identity checks. That openness made the UK attractive to legitimate founders, but also to money launderers and fraudsters.

ECCTA transforms Companies House from a passive register into an active gatekeeper. It introduces identity verification, gives Companies House powers to query and reject filings, and makes directors personally accountable for the accuracy of their information.

Identity Verification: The Big Change

Since November 18, 2025, identity verification is mandatory for:

• All new company directors
• People with Significant Control (PSCs)
• Anyone filing documents with Companies House

You can verify your identity in two ways:

1. Directly through Companies House using their online service (requires a GOV.UK One Login and acceptable ID documents)
2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) like Novaen Corporate, who can verify your identity as part of the formation process

For non-UK residents, the ACSP route is often the only practical option. Companies House's direct verification requires UK-issued ID in many cases, which international founders simply don't have.

The Transition Period: What's Changing in 2026

There's a 12-month transition period running until November 17, 2026. Here's what that means:

• Until November 17, 2026: Existing directors and PSCs who haven't verified can still file, but Companies House will flag them.
• After November 17, 2026: Unverified individuals will have a public note added to their company record. They will be unable to file any documents. This includes annual confirmation statements, which means their company could be struck off.

Presenter Identity Verification: Delayed but Coming

Originally planned for Spring 2026, presenter identity verification has been postponed to no earlier than November 2026. This means:

• Right now: Company formation agents and filing presenters don't yet need to verify their own identity
• From November 2026: Anyone presenting filings on behalf of a company will need to be identity-verified and registered as an ACSP

This is a critical shift. Many budget formation agents are NOT ACSP-registered. When the presenter requirement kicks in, they won't be able to file on behalf of clients. If you're using a budget agent, ask them: "Are you registered as an ACSP?" If the answer is no, your filings could grind to a halt.

What Has Already Changed (Confirmed as of September 2026)

1. Companies House can query and reject filings. If your registered office address looks suspicious, your SIC code doesn't match your business activity, or your director details are inconsistent, they can block your filing.

2. Registered office addresses must be "appropriate." PO boxes are no longer accepted. Your registered office must be a physical address where documents can be delivered and acknowledged.

3. Email addresses are now required for all new incorporations. Companies House uses this to send reminders and notifications.

4. Company names face stricter scrutiny. Names that are "too similar" to existing companies, contain sensitive words without permission, or are designed to mislead will be rejected.

5. Companies House has powers to remove companies from the register if they believe a company is being used for fraudulent purposes. This is not a slow process. They can act quickly.

What This Means for Non-UK Residents

If you're a non-UK resident forming or running a UK company, ECCTA creates both challenges and opportunities.

The challenge: Identity verification is harder without UK documents. The direct Companies House route often requires a UK passport or driving licence. If you're in Nigeria, India, the UAE, or anywhere outside the UK, this can be a blocker.

The opportunity: Using an ACSP-registered agent solves this. An ACSP can verify your identity using international documents and handle the verification as part of your formation package. You don't need to navigate the GOV.UK One Login system or worry about whether your ID will be accepted.

Compliance Checklist for 2026

If you have an existing UK company, here's what you need to do:

1. Verify your identity. Don't wait until November 2026. Do it now. Use an ACSP or go directly through Companies House.
2. Check your registered office. Is it a physical address? Not a PO box? If not, change it.
3. Confirm your SIC code is accurate. Companies House is querying mismatched codes.
4. Make sure your email address is on file. If you formed your company before email addresses were required, add one.
5. File your confirmation statement on time. Late filings are now more heavily penalised and can trigger scrutiny.
6. Review your PSC register. Ensure all PSCs are accurately recorded and have verified their identity.

How Novaen Corporate Handles This

Novaen Corporate is building ACSP capability into every formation package. When you form your company through Novaen:

• Your identity is verified as part of the process
• Your registered office is a legitimate physical address (not a PO box)
• Your SIC codes are correctly assigned
• Your confirmation statements are filed on time, every time
• You get a compliance calendar with automated reminders

This isn't an add-on. It's built into the service. Because compliance isn't optional anymore. It's the foundation of doing business in the UK.

The Bottom Line

ECCTA 2023 is the most significant change to UK company law in a generation. The transition period ends November 17, 2026. After that, non-compliance isn't just a risk. It's a guarantee that your company will be flagged, restricted, and potentially removed from the register.

If you haven't verified your identity, do it today. If you're planning to form a UK company, use an ACSP-registered agent. And if your current formation agent can't answer your ECCTA questions, it's time to switch.