Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — The Ultimate Guide for UK Businesses

You’ll still be verified — but expect enhanced due diligence checks. 

Yes — ACSPs are allowed to verify foreign nationals using approved biometric systems. 

You must immediately switch to another ACSP to avoid filing delays. 

No — identity verification is tied to you, not your address. 

Yes. Errors are reduced and verification is instant, so filings move faster. 

Only as legally required — and ACSPs follow strict GDPR rules. 

If the information on your ID doesn’t match Companies House records, verification pauses and the director temporarily cannot act. 

Example: 
Sarah from Wimbledon changed her surname after marriage. Her passport says Patel-Thompson, but Companies House still shows Patel. Her verification failed. 

CIGMA steps in by requesting her marriage certificate, updating the records, and completing verification within 24 hours so she can resume duties quickly.

Yes — verification for overseas directors is fully digital. 

Example: 
A Dubai-based investor setting up a company in EC1 needs same-day appointment approval. 
CIGMA handles the passport scan, biometric test, and AML checks remotely. 
He’s verified within hours, without visiting the UK. 

Your filings may be rejected until you switch to an authorised ACSP. 

Example: 
A small agent in Farringdon forgets to renew AML supervision → Companies House suspends their ACSP status → client filings are blocked. 

CIGMA avoids this through automated renewal monitoring and strict compliance routines. 

They cannot legally act as a director. 

This includes: 
• approving filings 
• signing accounts 
• updating company information 
• forming new companies 

Example: 
A director in Fulham Broadway ignores verification reminders. Eventually, Companies House locks their authority, causing filing delays and penalty risks. 

It stays valid permanently unless fraud is suspected. 

Example: 
A property investor in Hammersmith forms multiple SPVs but only verifies once. 

It’s typically an easy fix. 

Common causes: 
• poor lighting 
• blurred image 
• face covered 
• wearing glasses in ID but not in selfie 

Example: 
A director submits a dimly lit selfie → CIGMA provides guidance → resubmits → approved instantly. 

Yes — usually significantly faster. 

Example: 
A founder in EC1 needs incorporation today. 
CIGMA completes ID checks + AML screening in 1–2 hours, enabling same-day company formation. 

• identity documents
  • AML results
  • audit trails 
  • verification logs 

CIGMA stores everything securely through encrypted cloud systems, keeping you compliant. 

Yes — immediately and without disruption. 

Example: 
A business in Wimbledon leaves a low-cost agent due to frequent filing errors and switches to CIGMA. 
Verification becomes smoother and rejection rates drop to zero. 

Top causes include: 
• incorrect AML supervisory number 
• wrong One Login setup 
• name mismatch with supervisor records 

CIGMA prevents this through detailed pre-validation — maintaining a zero rejection rate. 

Only a simple statement: 
Identity verified on [date] by [ACSP]. 

No passport, address, or sensitive details appear publicly. 

It blocks: 
• fake identities 
• fraudulent appointments 
• impersonation attempts 
• shell company misuse 

Example: 
A fraudster uses a stolen passport → biometric check fails → AML alert raised → appointment blocked. 

Use your primary residential address. 

CIGMA guides you on which address Companies House is likely to accept. 

Yes — especially when handled by CIGMA. 

Example: 
A founder in Farringdon needs a company incorporated before signing a contract. 
CIGMA completes verification and incorporation before end of day. 

No — IDs must be valid. 
However, alternative documents may be accepted while waiting for a renewed passport. 

CIGMA initiates Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), which may require: 
• additional documents 
• source-of-funds verification 
• extra checks 

This ensures compliance and avoids regulatory issues. 

Yes — but verification is straightforward. 

Example: 
A director who spends time between Singapore and London completes verification digitally using CIGMA’s secure platform. 

Identity verification creates a strong security barrier. 
Even if someone submits copied documents, biometric checks and AML screens will block the attempt. 

Yes — and it often speeds up onboarding. 

Example: 
A fintech in EC1 verifies incoming directors during the job offer stage, ensuring seamless appointments later.