Verification of identity for corporate trustees

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, new regulatory requirements mean company directors and other individuals will need to verify their identity. These measures will affect corporate trustees.

From November 18, 2025, the following rules will apply:

On incorporation of a new company: the statement of proposed officers must include confirmation that each proposed director (but not a company secretary) has had their identity verified and include their personal IDV code, as received from Companies House.

New director appointments: any notification to Companies House of a new appointment of a director on or after November 18, 2025, must include confirmation that the relevant person has had their identity verified and include their personal IDV code. 

Existing directors: Existing directors will need to have had their identity verified by the time the company files its next annual confirmation statement following November 18, 2025. If an individual is a director of more than one company, the effective deadline for verifying their identity will be linked to the earliest confirmation statement date following November 18, 2025. 

Guidance on the new requirements has been published by Companies House. Failure to comply with the new requirements will be a criminal offence punishable by a fine. In addition, the director concerned could be disqualified.