There are major changes happening to Companies House under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. The Government has described the measures as "the most fundamental change to the purpose and role of Companies House, since its creation”. The far-reaching changes turn Companies House from a ‘passive recipient of information’ to a more active gatekeeper in the fight against financial crime.

The changes impact all UK registered companies and a number of the provisions are already in force. This half-day course is crucial for anyone responsible for company administration and governance. It will guide you through the details of all the changes, their implications for companies and most importantly, exactly what actions you will need to take now and in the future.

The course will cover:

• The obligation to verify the identities of directors and PSCs
  • Including the very latest draft rules and regulations on how ID verification will work and proposed implementation dates 
• How changes already in force are working out, including…
  • Restrictions on who can be a director
  • New powers of Companies House, allowing them to…
    
    • Cross-check and reject information filed by other public and private bodies
    • Impose civil penalties for failure to comply with Companies Act obligations
    • Reject or remove information if it appears suspicious, fraudulent or impacts the integrity of the register
• The changes still in the pipeline and what to do to prepare for them
  • Abolition of certain statutory registers, such as the register of directors
  • Requirement to file more detailed shareholder information
  • Restrictions on who can be a Director
  • Abolition of abridged accounts for small companies
  • Require information to be filed digitally, including accounts
  • Restrict a company from shortening its accounting reference period