Companies House has announced substantial progress in its efforts to clean up the UK's company register and combat economic crime, according to a new report. The update details the implementation of key provisions from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCT Act), landmark legislation that introduced the most significant reforms to UK company law in nearly two centuries.
The report highlights several critical achievements aimed at creating a more accurate and robust register. Since November 2025, nearly four million individuals have verified their identities and linked their appointments, a move designed to bolster protection against fraud for businesses and the public. Furthermore, since March 2024, 151,000 misleading company addresses have been removed from the register, safeguarding innocent individuals from identity hijacking.
Enhanced collaboration with partners such as HMRC and The Insolvency Service has also yielded tangible results. The report notes that these partnerships have led to the seizure of millions in suspected criminal proceeds, underscoring a more proactive approach to tackling illicit activities. Andy King, Chief Executive of Companies House, stated that the organisation is transforming from a passive register into a trusted guardian of critical data, with reforms positively impacting the protection of people and businesses from harm.
Despite the significant strides, Companies House acknowledges that more work remains. The organisation is on track to deliver the next phase of reforms, which includes a further rollout of identity verification measures, increased transparency for the Register of Overseas Entities, and the adoption of a more systematic, intelligence-led approach to enforcement. These future steps aim to ensure that actions remain targeted and effective, supporting legitimate businesses while clamping down on those who seek to exploit the system.
Duncan Beach, Chief Executive at the Insolvency Service, emphasised the importance of an improved Companies House register to their enforcement strategy. He noted that a more accurate register strengthens their ability to identify and take robust action against individuals who abuse the corporate landscape, particularly those who defraud businesses and taxpayers. The ECCT Act provides the Insolvency Service with over 100 new offences to combat such activities, and deepening their partnership with Companies House is ensuring that criminals face meaningful consequences.