What Makes a Good ACSP?

2 Jan

What Makes a Good ACSP? My Take on Excellence in Corporate Compliance and Fraud Prevention

As the UK's corporate landscape evolves under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) are no longer just administrative helpers—they're frontline guardians against financial crime. In my view, not all ACSPs are created equal. A truly good ACSP goes beyond ticking boxes; they embody proactive expertise, technological savvy, and a genuine commitment to ethical standards. Let me share my opinions on what sets the best apart, and how they play a pivotal role in preventing financial crime.

The Hallmarks of an Exceptional ACSP: Beyond the Basics

In a world where regulatory changes like ECCTA's third-party filing restrictions (kicking in fully from spring 2026) are reshaping how companies operate, I believe a good ACSP must be more than compliant—they should be innovative leaders. Here's what I look for (and what clients should demand):

Digital-First and Remote-Capable: Traditional ACSPs relying on paper trails and in-person meetings are, frankly, outdated. The best ones leverage tools like Inform Direct or APIs for live Companies House data pulls, enabling seamless, 100% remote services. This is especially crucial for non-resident directors, who make up a growing chunk of UK companies. In my opinion, if an ACSP can't verify identities or file confirmations in under an hour without borders getting in the way, they're not keeping up with modern business needs.
Broad AML Supervision and Expertise: All ACSPs must be supervised for anti-money laundering (AML), but the great ones treat this as a strength, not a checkbox. They offer value-adds like compliance audits or policy reviews, drawing on HMRC supervision to provide opinionated guidance. I've seen too many providers who play it safe and avoid giving real advice— a top ACSP should offer informed opinions on risk, helping clients avoid pitfalls before they happen.
Transparency and Client Education: ACSPs that hide behind jargon or opaque processes erode trust. The best are educators: they explain ECCTA implications clearly, offer webinars, and proactively warn about deadlines. My take? This not only prevents compliance lapses but builds long-term partnerships—far better than one-off transactions.

In short, a good ACSP isn't just authorised; they're opinionated experts who make compliance feel effortless and strategic.

How ACSPs Can—and Should—Prevent Financial Crime: My Opinions

ECCTA's reforms, like mandatory ID verification and ACSP-exclusive filings, are a game-changer for curbing fraud—but only if ACSPs step up. In my opinion, the legislation is a strong foundation, but its success hinges on ACSPs' proactive role.

Robust Verification as the First Line of Defense: ACSPs verifying identities aren't just following rules—they're stopping shell companies at the gate. I firmly believe that broadening accepted documents (beyond GOV.UK's limits) for non-residents is key; it prevents exclusion while maintaining rigor. Poor ACSPs cut corners here, but the best use biometric checks and global databases to spot red flags early, reducing money laundering risks by up to 50% in my estimation.
Ongoing Monitoring and Audits: ECCTA empowers ACSPs to report mismatches, but great ones go further with annual reviews. In my view, this is where ACSPs can truly shine—offering opinionated insights on fraud patterns (e.g., unusual PSC changes) and recommending preventive measures. Without this, ECCTA's "failure to prevent fraud" offence could catch companies off-guard; with a vigilant ACSP, it's a non-issue.
Tech-Driven Fraud Detection: Relying on manual processes is a liability in 2026. I advocate for ACSPs integrating AI and APIs (like live Companies House pulls) to flag anomalies instantly. This isn't just efficient—it's opinionated prevention: catching fraud before filings hit the register could save the UK economy millions, as we've seen with similar reforms elsewhere.

Ultimately, I believe ACSPs who treat financial crime prevention as a core mission—not a side duty—will thrive. Those who don't risk becoming obsolete in a post-ECCTA world.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely for a Safer Future

In my opinion, the ECCTA is a bold step forward, but its impact depends on strong ACSPs leading the charge. If you're a company director, don't settle for the bare minimum—partner with an ACSP that's innovative, transparent, and unapologetically anti-fraud. The result? Not just compliance, but real protection against financial crime.

At acsp.vip, we're committed to being that partner. Get in touch to see how we can help.