The UK Parliament’s Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls will take evidence on efforts to clamp down on criminal abuse of the UK register of companies held by Companies House, including its use for fraud and money laundering. The session will examine the estimated scale and nature of abuse, including fraud and tax and sanctions evasion, and how Companies House plans to use strengthened filing rules and new enforcement powers that are coming into effect over the coming years. The Sub-Committee Chair, Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, said the Sub-Committee will monitor progress in reforming Companies House following changes under the Economic Crime Act. Witnesses scheduled from 2.30 pm include representatives from Transparency International, the City of London Law Society’s Corporate Crime and Corruption committee, Tax Policy Associates and Dark Money Files, followed from approximately 3:15 pm by Companies House Chief Executive and Registrar Louise Smyth and Companies House Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement Martin Swain.
UK Parliament 2025-03-18
UK Parliament Business and Trade Sub-Committee to question Companies House and experts on cracking down on abuse of the UK company register
The UK Parliament’s Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls will gather evidence on criminal abuse of the UK register of companies, focusing on fraud and money laundering. The session will assess the scale of abuse and Companies House's plans to implement strengthened filing rules and new enforcement powers. The Sub-Committee will monitor Companies House reforms following the Economic Crime Act.