The UK’s Insolvency Service has secured its first convictions for Companies House identity-verification offences, with three directors fined at City of London Magistrates’ Court. The cases include a director who verified his own identity but failed to prevent an unverified colleague from continuing to act.
Jill White and Marc Dillon, directors of White (Reading Properties) Limited, and Modinat Banjo, director of J Isogony Apparel Limited, were fined following convictions covering identity-verification requirements and late confirmation statements. The court proceedings took place on September 16.
White participated in board-level decisions and signed company accounts while unverified. She completed verification in early September, shortly before the hearing. Banjo also signed and delivered accounts while unverified, completing her identity check on or around May 28.
Dillon had already verified himself. He was prosecuted for failing to take reasonable steps to stop White acting as a director while unverified, despite knowing the legal requirement. The Insolvency Service said he was responsible for ensuring the company did not permit an unverified individual to continue in the role.
White was fined £166, with £85 in costs and a £66 victim surcharge. Dillon’s fine was £307, with £85 in costs and a £123 surcharge. Banjo was fined £80, with £85 in costs and a £32 surcharge.
Daniel Hart, Senior Criminal Lawyer at the Insolvency Service, said directors had been given multiple opportunities to comply before enforcement action. He said their responsibilities extended beyond their own verification to preventing unverified people from acting for a company.
Mandatory checks are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Requirements for newly appointed directors began on November 18, 2025, obliging them to verify before acting. Existing directors must verify during the 12-month transition, when filing their company’s next confirmation statement.
Companies House uses GOV.UK One Login for direct digital verification. Successful applicants receive a personal code to connect their verified identity with their Companies House roles.
Directors can complete verification online through Companies House free of charge or use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. Companies House says the checks support identification of people setting up, running and controlling companies, alongside its expanded powers to tackle misuse of the register.
Sources: GOV.UK
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
