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Millions of UK Company Directors Miss Anti-Fraud Verification Deadline
16 Nov
Summary
- Over 5 million company directors have yet to sign up for new anti-fraud checks
- Companies House says only 1.5 million out of 7 million directors have completed the verification
- Concerns raised over the reliability of the 'confusing, clunky' One Login system used for the process
As of November 16th, 2025, more than 5 million company directors in the UK have failed to sign up for new anti-fraud identity verification checks, despite a looming deadline. The new rules, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, are designed to end Britain's reputation as a haven for corporate fraud.
Companies House, which runs the public register of UK firms, has revealed that the number of directors who have completed the verification process is only "approaching 1.5 million" out of the 7 million on its books. After the deadline passes, any director who has not passed the checks will be barred from accessing Companies House to submit annual accounts or change executives' details.
While the crackdown has broad support from business organizations, there are concerns that the "confusing, clunky, and occasionally unreliable" computer program used to carry out the verification process, called One Login, is still making the process impossible for many. Officials have admitted that "essential security features" could affect the user experience, and the system does not yet meet all the required standards.
The slow uptake of the new rules has prompted calls for Companies House to "do everything in its power to ensure that its systems are up to the task" before the deadline arrives.
