ID verification is no longer a theoretical compliance concept. It is a statutory requirement introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, fundamentally changing how Companies House operates. From directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) to those submitting filings, ID verification now sits at the centre of UK corporate compliance and firms must get it right.
ID Verification: What Has Actually Changed?
Under the new Companies House framework, ID verification must be completed before individuals can:
- Be appointed as a director
- Be registered as a PSC
- File confirmation statements or statutory updates
- Act on behalf of a company
This means ID verification is now a gating requirement, not an administrative afterthought. Without completed ID verification, filings are blocked, creating immediate operational risk for companies and agents alike.
Who Must Complete ID Verification?
ID verification applies to a wide group of individuals, including:
- All existing and new company directors
- PSCs with significant ownership or control
- Individuals submitting filings directly to Companies House
- Agents acting for companies where identity confirmation is required
For accounting firms managing hundreds of clients, tracking ID verification status manually is neither scalable nor reliable.
How FigsFlow Structures ID Verification for Firms
FigsFlow is not just an ID verification tool. It is an ID verification management system. Its value lies in structuring, recording and operationalising ID verification across clients and engagements.
- Centralised ID Verification Tracking
FigsFlow provides a single dashboard where accountancy firms can monitor ID verification status across all directors and PSCs. This eliminates spreadsheet tracking and reduces the risk of missed or incomplete verification.
- Integrated AML and Identity Checks
ID verification rarely exists in isolation. FigsFlow aligns ID verification with AML checks, risk assessments, and client onboarding, ensuring identity evidence is consistent across compliance obligations.
- Secure Evidence and Audit Trails
Every ID verification action is logged and stored securely. This creates a defensible audit trail that can be relied upon during regulatory reviews, internal audits, or professional indemnity claims.
- Designed for Volume and Scale
For practices dealing with dozens or hundreds of directors and PSCs, FigsFlow enables ID verification at scale without increasing administrative overhead.
Conclusion
ID verification is now a non-negotiable compliance obligation, not a box-ticking exercise. Firms that rely on manual processes or disconnected systems will struggle to meet regulatory expectations efficiently.
FigsFlow provides a structured, auditable, and scalable way to manage ID verification, aligning Companies House requirements with real-world firm workflows. For accountants, agents, and corporate service providers, it offers clarity, control, and confidence in a rapidly tightening regulatory environment.
