ECCTA compliance for accountants: how Inform Direct by Bright keeps your practice ready
The ECCTA is here (whether you’re ready or not)
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA)
is arguably the most significant shift in UK corporate regulation since the
Companies Act 2006.
Sweeping through the world of company compliance like an over-caffeinated auditor with a to-do list, every accounting practice is in its path.
With changes rolling out in stages through to 2027, this isn’t something you can ignore and hope will sort itself out.
It’s not just another box-ticking exercise; it changes how companies operate, how directors are verified, and how accountants manage compliance.
And the question on everyone’s lips?
Not “Will this affect us?”
But “How soon before this gets complicated?”
The question isn’t if ECCTA will affect your clients.
It’s how prepared your practice is to deal with the fallout without losing sleep, staff, or your sanity.
Fortunately, Inform Direct by Bright is already ahead of the curve.
While others are still decoding acronyms, we’ve evolved our platform to anticipate ECCTA.
The anatomy of ECCTA: what’s changing, when, and why it matters
Let’s not sugarcoat it. ECCTA rolls out a buffet of phased compliance obligations from
March 2024 through 2027.
- “Appropriate” registered office addresses and emails
- Compulsory statements of lawful purpose
Identity verification for directors, PSCs, and LLP members
ACSP registration (18 March 2025)
Identity verification (Autumn 2025)
iXBRL & software-only filings (April 2027)
These aren’t just administrative hurdles; they’re designed to crack down on corporate fraud and increase transparency.
Read the full Companies House guidance
Assumptions, alternatives, and a touch of healthy scepticism
Some believe compliance software alone is a silver bullet. It’s not.
Inform Direct works best when paired with:
- Staff training
- Internal compliance procedures
- Proactive client communication
How Inform Direct by Bright leads the ECCTA compliance charge
Inform Direct by Bright is ahead of the ECCTA curve.
We enabled lawful purpose declarations and office address verification from day one.
ACSP registration is fully integrated, with personal code tracking and
bulk ID verification via Credas.
iXBRL tagging is already in place, preparing you for 2027.
✅ Ready from Day One
Supported new data requirements from March 2024.
✅ ACSP integration
Manage ACSP details directly in Inform Direct.
✅ ID verification
Run and track checks within the platform.
✅ iXBRL filing support
Already live for micro and dormant companies.
What’s in it for your practice?
With Inform Direct, you’re positioned as the advisor who gets it done.
- Auto-updating statutory registers
- Document generation from 400+ templates
- Tiered user access
- Bulk personal code management
- Real-time reporting
- Mailing reminders
Best practices and expert advice
“Firms that treat ECCTA as a chance to improve processes will emerge more profitable.”
– John Edwards, Chief Executive, The Institute of Financial Accountants
- Bulk ID verification and code management
- Clear client communication
- Assigned compliance lead
- Regular internal reviews
Your ECCTA strategy starts here
With Inform Direct by Bright,
you don’t just survive the shift — you lead through it.
Ready to see it in action?
Book a demo with Bright today
FAQs
1. Do I have to become an ACSP?
No, but it provides faster filing and better oversight.
2. What if clients don’t verify directors?
Filings may be rejected and penalties applied.
3. Is Inform Direct the only ECCTA-compliant software?
No, but few offer the same integration.
4. How does ID verification work?
Checks are triggered and tracked via Credas.
5. Will my clients understand ECCTA?
Only if you explain it clearly.
6. Is this just more work?
Short-term yes; long-term it improves processes.
