UK organisations are operating under a more mature and actively enforced Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. What began as a regulatory shift has now become a core part of corporate governance and compliance. Companies are expected not only to meet the Act’s requirements but to demonstrate ongoing diligence transparency and accountability.
While the penalties for falling short remain significant organisations that have embedded strong governance systems are better positioned to manage these obligations with confidence. With the right approach the Act can be integrated into existing compliance frameworks without adding unnecessary complexity.
This guide outlines what governance professionals should focus on in 2026 to remain compliant and resilient.
Overview of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
The UK’s open and globally connected economy continues to attract legitimate business growth. At the same time it has historically been vulnerable to misuse through fraud money laundering and opaque ownership structures. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act was introduced to address these risks by strengthening oversight of corporate information and enhancing enforcement powers.
A central feature of the Act is the transformation of the national corporate registry into an active gatekeeper of data quality. Identity verification is now mandatory for company directors individuals with significant control and those submitting statutory documents. Oversight of limited partnerships has also been tightened with stronger requirements to demonstrate a genuine connection to the UK and provide clearer ownership details.
These reforms aim to improve both the depth and reliability of corporate data. Accurate records support faster regulatory action help uncover the misuse of UK property by overseas entities and strengthen the ability of authorities to investigate economic crime. The Act also expanded powers to trace seize and recover digital assets linked to illegal activity including fraud and cyber enabled crime. Organisations can be held accountable for failure to prevent fraud where reasonable preventative measures were not in place and an employee or agent commits a qualifying offence.
Responsibilities of company secretaries
Company secretaries continue to play a central role in ECCT Act compliance. Their position at the intersection of governance regulation and record keeping makes them critical to ensuring that organisations meet both the letter and the spirit of the law.
Accurate and up to date statutory records remain a priority. This includes detailed information on directors limited partnerships and individuals with significant control alongside clear justification for each designation. While common thresholds still apply such as ownership or voting rights exceeding twenty five percent these must always be confirmed against the company’s internal registers.
Identity verification has become an ongoing obligation rather than a one time task. Company secretaries must ensure that verification processes meet current regulatory standards and that supporting evidence is properly maintained. The registrar now routinely reviews submissions and has the authority to challenge amend or remove information that does not meet compliance requirements.
Regular filings and updates under the Act have therefore become a standing item on the compliance agenda. Proactive planning and structured workflows are essential to avoid disruption or enforcement action.
How Dess Digital helps organisations stay compliant
Dess Digital supports organisations navigating the evolving demands of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act through modern governance and entity management solutions. The focus has shifted from initial readiness to sustained compliance and continuous improvement.
With secure digital filing tools structured review processes and clear visibility across group entities Dess Digital enables governance teams to manage statutory obligations efficiently and accurately. Integrated features for group structure oversight risk awareness and record maintenance help ensure compliance is maintained throughout the year.
By embedding strong governance practices organisations not only meet regulatory expectations but also reinforce their commitment to transparency ethical conduct and the prevention of economic crime.
