What ICAEW's 2026 deadline briefing means for Arab directors
Key takeaways for Arab directors
- 1Your verification deadline is your confirmation statement due date, check your incorporation month
- 2Your accountant must be ACSP-registered to file for you, Fileminder is
- 3A late confirmation statement has no fixed monetary penalty, but persistent non-filing leads to strike-off action
- 4Companies House is actively striking off non-compliant companies in 2026
- 5Dormant and lightly traded companies are not exempt from any of these requirements
Fileminder’s take, written for Arab UK company directors
ICAEW's January 2026 briefing covers three things: identity verification deadlines, AML supervision changes, and Companies House filing requirements. It's written for UK accountants. Here's our read for Arab directors.
On identity verification: the 12-month transition began on 18 November 2025, but the relevant date is not the same for everyone. Existing directors provide their personal code with the company's next confirmation statement. Check the Companies House register for the dates attached to each role.
On AML supervision: this change affects accountants, not directly directors. But it affects you indirectly. From spring 2026, any accountant filing on your behalf must be registered as an ACSP. If your current UK accountant isn't ACSP-registered, they will not legally be able to submit filings for you, including your annual accounts and confirmation statement. Fileminder is ACSP-registered. If you're unsure whether your current accountant is, ask them directly.
On confirmation statements: unlike late accounts, there's no fixed monetary penalty for filing late — but the overdue status is publicly visible on the register, and persistent non-filing leads Companies House to pursue strike-off. Dormant and lightly traded companies still have to file.
The bigger picture: 2026 is not a distant deadline. If your company was incorporated between now and October, your verification deadline could arrive before the end of this year.
Written by
Ibrahem Almahawe
AAT-qualified accountant and ACCA member, founder of Fileminder, and author of the eight-book International Taxation Series. Browse the books →
Disclaimer
General educational guidance only — not legal, tax, accounting, immigration, investment or financial advice. We don't guarantee the information is complete, current or suitable for your situation. Always check official sources (GOV.UK, Companies House, HMRC, the relevant professional body) and speak to a qualified professional before acting. Last reviewed: February 2026.
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