According to Vistra, UK firms are the least prepared, with only 72% of UK directors aware of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
Firms that fail to meet the deadline risk fines, filing restrictions, or director disqualification.
Finance Magnates
As Britain prepares to enforce sweeping identity
verification rules under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
(ECCTA), a new survey shows that most directors are not yet ready, despite the
deadline being less than three weeks away.
Vistra’s latest survey found that 52% of
company directors at international firms operating in the UK have yet to meet
the ECCTA’s mandatory identity verification requirement, set to begin on 18
November 2025.
Firms that miss the deadline risk fines, filing bans,
or even director disqualification. Only 56% of directors surveyed were
confident they had correctly identified all PSCs within their organizations,
heightening the risk of administrative and reputational fallout.
According to Meg Ogunsola, Global Director of Entity
Management Solutions at Vistra: “Companies House data shows that fewer than one
in five of those required to verify have done so, and early action will be
critical in avoiding disruption and potential backlogs once verification
becomes a legal requirement.”
Starting 18 November 2025, all newly appointed company
directors and PSCs must verify their
identity before they can be incorporated or appointed. Existing directors will
be required to complete identity verification when filing their next
confirmation statement, with full compliance required by November 2026.
Awareness Still Alarmingly Low
Despite being one of the most significant corporate
governance reforms since Companies House was established in 1844, nearly a
third of respondents remain unaware of ECCTA requirements or key deadlines.
Jonathan Frost, Source: LinkedIn
Recently commenting about the move, Jonathan Frost, Director of Global Advisory for EMEA at BioCatch, said: “The announcement from Companies House that it will verify the identities of directors and beneficial owners is a vital step forward for corporate transparency. However, the proposed 12-month phased rollout leaves a clear window for criminals to abuse.”
Compliance gaps are not limited to identity
verification. Only 53% of respondents whose companies qualify under the new
Failure to Prevent Fraud offense reported being compliant, despite the measure taking effect on September 1, 2025.
The offense applies to large
companies – those with turnover above £36 million, assets exceeding £18 million,
or more than 250 employees – and carries unlimited fines for breaches.
UK Lags Behind Global Counterparts
Ironically, firms based in the UK are the least
prepared globally, according to Vistra’s data. Only 72% of UK directors were
aware of the ECCTA, compared to 76% in the EU, 90% in APAC, and a full 100% in
the US.
US firms also lead in compliance, with 65% for identity verification and 71% for the fraud prevention rule, compared to just 38% and 44%,
respectively, among UK firms.
The disparity extends to perceptions of risk. While
100% of US respondents expressed concern about penalties or reputational harm from non-compliance, only 59% of UK respondents reported the same concern. Despite the short-term challenges, the ECCTA’s tougher
verification standards appear to be boosting the UK’s reputation for
transparency.
Two-thirds of global directors surveyed stated that they are now more likely to approve the creation of UK subsidiaries or entities due to the new regime – an indication that stricter compliance rules may ultimately strengthen
investor confidence in the long run.
As Britain prepares to enforce sweeping identity
verification rules under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
(ECCTA), a new survey shows that most directors are not yet ready, despite the
deadline being less than three weeks away.
Vistra’s latest survey found that 52% of
company directors at international firms operating in the UK have yet to meet
the ECCTA’s mandatory identity verification requirement, set to begin on 18
November 2025.
Firms that miss the deadline risk fines, filing bans,
or even director disqualification. Only 56% of directors surveyed were
confident they had correctly identified all PSCs within their organizations,
heightening the risk of administrative and reputational fallout.
According to Meg Ogunsola, Global Director of Entity
Management Solutions at Vistra: “Companies House data shows that fewer than one
in five of those required to verify have done so, and early action will be
critical in avoiding disruption and potential backlogs once verification
becomes a legal requirement.”
Starting 18 November 2025, all newly appointed company
directors and PSCs must verify their
identity before they can be incorporated or appointed. Existing directors will
be required to complete identity verification when filing their next
confirmation statement, with full compliance required by November 2026.
Awareness Still Alarmingly Low
Despite being one of the most significant corporate
governance reforms since Companies House was established in 1844, nearly a
third of respondents remain unaware of ECCTA requirements or key deadlines.
Jonathan Frost, Source: LinkedIn
Recently commenting about the move, Jonathan Frost, Director of Global Advisory for EMEA at BioCatch, said: “The announcement from Companies House that it will verify the identities of directors and beneficial owners is a vital step forward for corporate transparency. However, the proposed 12-month phased rollout leaves a clear window for criminals to abuse.”
Compliance gaps are not limited to identity
verification. Only 53% of respondents whose companies qualify under the new
Failure to Prevent Fraud offense reported being compliant, despite the measure taking effect on September 1, 2025.
The offense applies to large
companies – those with turnover above £36 million, assets exceeding £18 million,
or more than 250 employees – and carries unlimited fines for breaches.
UK Lags Behind Global Counterparts
Ironically, firms based in the UK are the least
prepared globally, according to Vistra’s data. Only 72% of UK directors were
aware of the ECCTA, compared to 76% in the EU, 90% in APAC, and a full 100% in
the US.
US firms also lead in compliance, with 65% for identity verification and 71% for the fraud prevention rule, compared to just 38% and 44%,
respectively, among UK firms.
The disparity extends to perceptions of risk. While
100% of US respondents expressed concern about penalties or reputational harm from non-compliance, only 59% of UK respondents reported the same concern. Despite the short-term challenges, the ECCTA’s tougher
verification standards appear to be boosting the UK’s reputation for
transparency.
Two-thirds of global directors surveyed stated that they are now more likely to approve the creation of UK subsidiaries or entities due to the new regime – an indication that stricter compliance rules may ultimately strengthen
investor confidence in the long run.
Jared Kirui is an Editor at Finance Magnates with more than five years of experience in financial journalism. He covers online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto industries with a focus on companies, regulation and compliance, executive moves, trading technology, and market analysis.
His work has been featured in other media outlets, including Benzinga, ZyCrypto, The Distributed, and The Daily Hodl.
Education:
Bachelor of Commerce degree (Finance option), University of Nairobi
As event contracts are set for ‘super-cycle’ growth in volumes and recognition, retail brokers simply can’t stay behind. But can regulated entities integrate a product that is awfully similar to betting?
Join builders across the ecosystemto gain insight into the industry's current and future stance on prediction markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
Better understanding of how the CME, Plus500, and prediction platforms collaborate
Assessment of 2026’s expected volumes and new ‘event’ areas ripe for contracts
Cross-industry understanding of different strategies by brokers (co-opt, partner, buy)
As event contracts are set for ‘super-cycle’ growth in volumes and recognition, retail brokers simply can’t stay behind. But can regulated entities integrate a product that is awfully similar to betting?
Join builders across the ecosystemto gain insight into the industry's current and future stance on prediction markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
Better understanding of how the CME, Plus500, and prediction platforms collaborate
Assessment of 2026’s expected volumes and new ‘event’ areas ripe for contracts
Cross-industry understanding of different strategies by brokers (co-opt, partner, buy)
As event contracts are set for ‘super-cycle’ growth in volumes and recognition, retail brokers simply can’t stay behind. But can regulated entities integrate a product that is awfully similar to betting?
Join builders across the ecosystemto gain insight into the industry's current and future stance on prediction markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
Better understanding of how the CME, Plus500, and prediction platforms collaborate
Assessment of 2026’s expected volumes and new ‘event’ areas ripe for contracts
Cross-industry understanding of different strategies by brokers (co-opt, partner, buy)
As event contracts are set for ‘super-cycle’ growth in volumes and recognition, retail brokers simply can’t stay behind. But can regulated entities integrate a product that is awfully similar to betting?
Join builders across the ecosystemto gain insight into the industry's current and future stance on prediction markets.
Attendees will walk away with:
Better understanding of how the CME, Plus500, and prediction platforms collaborate
Assessment of 2026’s expected volumes and new ‘event’ areas ripe for contracts
Cross-industry understanding of different strategies by brokers (co-opt, partner, buy)
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
Precious Insights: APAC's Bullion Market amid Record Volatility
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
The precious metals rally has challenged how brokers and LPs think about hedging, pricing, and physical delivery. But with regional banks eyeing physical gold retail and bullion brokers across Southeast Asia harnessing new tech, volatility is not only in 'safe havens'.
This session gathers practitioners from across the bullion ecosystem to unpack what the rally means on the ground in APAC.
Attendees will walk away with:
Insight into the physical market dynamics driving retail demand across Southeast Asia, from central bank buying to store-of-value purchases
Understanding of Singapore's distinct role as APAC's bullion gateway, and competition near and far
Perspective on operational challenges unique to APAC: kilogram pricing, local delivery, and bridging CFD and physical bullion infrastructure
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
License to Fill: Market Liquidity amid Global Turmoil
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Asian markets bear unique characteristics, from connectivity to asset preference. The Singapore Summit will connect global executives and local experts across the liquidity chain to discuss volatility fluctuations, diversification vs over-reliance on single assets, and the role of trust and liquidity relationships in an increasingly automated sphere.
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Regional Focus: Thailand, Vietnam
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Bangkok is consolidating as Southeast Asia's broker hub for CLMV access, while Vietnam's trading volumes have made it harder to ignore from any regional headquarters. Most brokers know both exist. Fewer have tested what operating there actually requires.
This session gathers practitioners with on-the-ground experience in both markets to examine what it takes to build and run operations in Thailand and Vietnam.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear view of setup requirements in both markets: entity structures, timelines, and what first-time operators tend to get wrong
Understanding of the offshore broker model and how compliant operators work within domestic restrictions in each jurisdiction
Insight into talent acquisition, client onboarding, and distribution in markets where language, culture, and acquisition channels don't follow standard APAC assumptions
Perspective on adjacent Southeast Asian markets worth monitoring for the next regional move
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
Join The Club: What Premium Clients Want
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
High-net-worth traders account for an outsized portion of revenues for various retail brokers.
This session will gather heads of premium, acquisition, and product experts to reveal how they build their client base in Asia.
Attendees will walk away with:
Understanding of how brokers view premium clients (beyond deposit size).
Insight into which services, products, and benefits increase trust and LTV.
Examples of offerings that scale without inflating cost or operational burden.
Lessons from leading brokers on growing premium segments and what’s next.
