United Kingdom: Directors and Officers

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 has fundamentally transformed compliance requirements for UK company secretaries, introducing new identity verification mandates, enhanced filing obligations, and stricter enforcement mechanisms.

With the UK government’s identity (“ID”) verification system at Companies House now up and running, the Maples Group’s UK fiduciary services team – as an Authorised Corporate Services Provider (ACSP) – has successfully completed the ID verification process for numerous clients.

Dispute Resolution analysis: The Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling that a payment made by a company director to a High Court Enforcement Agent (HCEA)...

HMRC has proposed sweeping new reporting requirements for close companies that would mandate detailed disclosure of all transactions with participators, extending far beyond the current framework which only captures loans triggering tax charges. The consultation raises critical questions about the burden on privately-owned groups and private equity structures, where intra-group transactions could generate extensive reporting obligations despite no underlying tax liability.

The Office of the Public Guardian has updated its guidance on family care payments, reinforcing the importance of careful decision making, clear evidence, and long-term financial planning when compensating family members for care.

Companies operating employee share plans and management incentive arrangements must prepare and submit annual returns to HMRC by 6 July 2026, with penalties starting at £100 for late filing.

Companies House has issued updated draft guidance to assist businesses to identify who really holds ‘significant influence or control' in a company for the purposes of the Register of People with Significant Control.

Individual Directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) of companies registered in England & Wales (E&W) are now required to verify their identities with Companies House.

English football has entered a new era. In July 2025, after a long journey set in motion by the attempted breakaway European Super League and the Fan-Led Review led by Tracey Crouch MP...