Imminent changes to company register requirements

If you’re a company director, secretary, or responsible for statutory registers, new legal requirements are coming into force on 18 November 2025. These changes will affect how companies manage certain registers and what needs to be filed with Companies House. Here’s a quick overview to help you stay compliant.

What’s changing and why?

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) is designed to tackle economic crime and boost transparency. ECCTA introduces several reforms – one of which directly impacts the statutory registers English companies must maintain.

While many companies won’t see major disruption, those handling company records and filings should take note and update their processes accordingly.

Key Changes Under ECCTA

1. Fewer Local Registers Required

From 18 November 2025, companies will no longer need to keep local copies of the following registers:

• Directors
• Directors’ residential addresses
• Secretaries
• Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

Instead, this information must be filed directly with Companies House.

2. Local Register of Members is Still Mandatory

The register of members remains essential. It must be kept locally, either at the registered office or a designated inspection location and be available for public viewing (subject to Companies Act 2006 restrictions).

The register must include:

• Full name and service address of each member
• Date of becoming or ceasing to be a member
• Shareholding details (number, class, and paid-up status)

Members must notify the company of any changes within two months. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and could lead to fines or imprisonment. If any change is made to the register, the company must retain the outdated information for 10 years.

Non-compliance without a reasonable excuse will be an offence.

Practical steps to take now

• Audit your current registers to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Regularly confirm details with directors, secretaries, and members to avoid outdated information.
• If your register of members is missing or incomplete, court approval may be needed to rectify it.
• Keeping local registers for internal use is wise – they can help with future filings or queries.
• If your company previously opted for a central register of members, create a new local register and include a note about the prior central record.

Other ECCTA updates to be aware of

Registered Office and Email Requirements

• A company’s registered office must be an ‘appropriate address’ – correspondence must reach someone acting on behalf of the company.
• Companies must file an ‘appropriate email address’ with Companies House for official communications.

Identity Verification for Directors, LLP Members, and PSCs

Starting 18 November 2025:

• New directors, LLP members, and PSCs must verify their identity before appointment.
• Existing individuals must complete verification before the next confirmation statement is filed after that date.

For more on identity verification, see our detailed client briefing.

Need help?

If you have questions or want to ensure your company is ready, please reach out to your usual Forsters contact or a member of our Corporate team.