From 18 November 2025, companies in the UK will need to adapt to changes in how statutory registers are maintained. These reforms form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) and are designed to improve the quality and transparency of company information filed with Companies House.
If you’re running a limited company, this will directly affect how you record and manage details about your directors, shareholders and other key individuals.
Here’s what’s changing and how to prepare.
Key changes to statutory registers
1. Some registers are being abolished
From November 2025, companies will no longer be required to keep local registers of directors, directors’ residential addresses, secretaries or persons with significant control (PSCs).
Instead, Companies House will act as the sole official register for these records. As long as filings are accurate and up to date, you won’t need to duplicate this information internally.
2. The central register of members is being discontinued
Some private companies have opted to hold their register of members at Companies House by electing to use the central register. That option is being withdrawn. After 18 November 2025, every company must keep its own register of members locally – either at its registered office or at a Single Alternative Inspection Location (SAIL). If your company has previously relied on the central register, you’ll need to:
- transfer the information to a local register; and
- add a statement confirming that the register was previously held centrally
A quick reminder: what is the register of members?
The register of members is a legal record of who owns shares in your company. It must include:
- each member’s name and service address
- the date they became (or ceased to be) a member
- the class and number of shares held, and the amount paid
This register is open to public inspection and acts as legal evidence of membership. If someone’s name is on the register, they’re treated as a member in law unless proven otherwise.
Additional requirements – what’s coming
Further changes to the register of members are expected but not yet in force. New rules will be introduced via secondary legislation, including more specific requirements about how member details must be recorded. Based on current guidance, it is anticipated that companies will be required to record both forename and surname for each member, rather than using initials or abbreviated names.
What you can do now
Even before these changes take full effect, there are simple steps you can take to prepare:
1. Audit your existing registers
Check whether you’re still keeping local registers for directors or PSCs, and whether your register of members is held locally or centrally.
2. Plan to reinstate your own register of members
If you’ve used the central register, get ready to move that data into a local format and make it available for inspection.
3. Review member details
Start checking whether you hold full, accurate information for each shareholder. This will make it easier to comply when the new naming requirements are introduced.
4. Update your internal processes
Make sure you have clear procedures for recording and updating statutory information going forward.
Why this matters
These reforms are part of a wider effort to prevent economic crime and improve the accuracy of company information. They give Companies House more authority to reject filings that are incomplete, unclear, or incorrect – and to penalise non-compliance.
Keeping accurate records isn’t just about meeting legal requirements. It also helps your business run more efficiently, reduces risk in transactions, and gives confidence to investors, partners and regulators.
And one more thing…
At the same time, new identity verification requirements for directors and beneficial owners will also be introduced. These are covered in our blog New identity verification rules for directors and beneficial owners: what you need to know.
Need a hand getting your records in order?
Our expertly drafted company administration templates come with clear, practical guidance – helping you stay compliant without paying professional fees or locking into an expensive subscription. Our Statutory Registers reflect the current legal requirements.
