For many law firms, filing with Companies House is a routine task. But under the new Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) framework, those filings will carry additional compliance responsibilities.

ACSPs will be responsible for carrying out identity checks on directors and people with significant control before submitting key filings to Companies House. If your firm handles incorporations or company updates on behalf of clients, these changes affect how you work – and how you manage risk.

In this article, we’ll break down how Legl’s technology can help you meet your obligations with confidence.

How does Legl support compliance with ACSP requirements?

Legl’s identity verification tools are built to support law firms in meeting their compliance obligations. While your firm remains responsible for ensuring that your IDV process aligns with Companies House standards, Legl provides the technology infrastructure to help you meet those standards with confidence.

Legl’s tools are designed to make identity verification fast, secure, and auditable – key requirements for ACSPs. For example, Legl’s Standard CDD workflow includes the following:

• Security features check: Automatically assesses the authenticity of government-issued ID documents by checking for tampering and verifying embedded security elements.
  
  
• Biometric checks: Uses facial recognition and liveness detection to match the document photo with a live selfie, confirming the individual’s identity.
  
  
• Database screening: Cross-references ID documents against databases such as the list of lost or stolen documents to flag possible fraud risks.
  
  
• Identity validation: The report will surface how many instances the individual has been registered with their given name, address and date of birth (e.g. on the electoral roll, with credit agencies, or on telephone databases). The full list is available here. 

These features support a robust approach to IDV that aligns with the expectations outlined in the Companies House draft guidance on assurance levels.

Enhanced CDD features for greater assurance

For firms that require a higher level of identity assurance, Legl also offers enhanced capabilities, like NFC chip reading. For compatible biometric passports, Legl can read the embedded chip and run cryptographic checks to confirm authenticity.

This is particularly valuable for firms aiming to meet the highest assurance levels under Companies House’s proposed framework.

A flexible, risk-based approach

Legl doesn’t prescribe how your firm uses its tools – it gives you the flexibility to configure IDV workflows that support your internal policies and risk profile. Whether you’re aiming for assurance level 1, 2 or 3, Legl can help you implement a solution that fits.

Importantly, Legl’s technology doesn’t replace your firm’s judgement – it enhances it. Your firm stays in control of the process – but you don’t have to build the infrastructure alone.

Next steps for law firms

With the ACSP framework now in effect and identity verification requirements fast approaching, law firms need to take action. These aren’t changes you can delegate or delay – they affect your ability to file with Companies House and your wider regulatory obligations.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Register with Companies House: If you haven’t already, start the registration process. You can find guidance on how to register here.
   
   
2. Review your IDV process: Assess whether your existing CDD and onboarding workflows meet the Companies House assurance levels. Pay particular attention to evidence retention, biometric checks, and data matching.
   
   
3. Evaluate your technology:  If your current tools don’t support secure, efficient identity verification, now is the time to explore alternatives.

Legl’s platform is already helping law firms build robust, compliant IDV processes. With features aligned to Companies House guidance – including biometric verification, document validation, and enhanced checks – we can help you meet your obligations and reduce risk.

We strongly recommend that you review the full Companies House guidance and assess how Legl will fit within your firm’s compliance framework for registering as an ACSP. If you have any questions, please get in touch with [email protected]