Companies House joins Cifas’ National Fraud Database to strengthen defences against fraudulent organisations and directors

• Faster fraud detection and stronger disruption of criminal networks remain key
• Cifas membership supports significant Companies House reforms under ECCTA
• Identity fraud dominance highlights threat of false and stolen identities in company registrations

The UK’s leading fraud prevention service, Cifas, has welcomed Companies House into the National Fraud Database (NFD) membership – marking a significant step forward in the UK’s efforts to combat identity misuse, economic crime and corporate fraud.

Identity fraud continues to be the most prevalent fraud type recorded to the NFD, accounting for 59% of all cases during the first half of 2026. With criminals increasingly using false or stolen identities, Companies House’s participation in the database can strengthen its ability to identify and disrupt harmful activity at the earliest stage.

Joining the NFD also supports the significant reforms introduced through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), which granted stronger powers to verify the identities of directors and individuals linked to companies, improve the accuracy of the register, and prevent the misuse of UK corporate structures. These reforms mark one of the most substantial overhauls of corporate regulation in decades, transforming Companies House into a more proactive guardian of corporate integrity.

Access to real-time, cross-sector fraud-risk data and intelligence can also help Companies House deliver these responsibilities with greater speed and insight. By identifying suspicious activity earlier, enabling faster intervention when company behaviour appears linked to fraud, and further disrupting organised criminal networks, this can help close gaps exploited by criminals – strengthening the integrity of the UK corporate register.

This enhanced insight also provides greater protection for businesses and consumers alike, while supporting a more joined-up approach to fraud prevention across the public and private sectors.

Andy King, Chief Executive, Registrar of Companies and Regulator of Community Interest Companies from Companies House, said: “Companies House has a vital role to play in promoting economic growth and tackling the misuse of companies.

“By joining Cifas, we will be able to benefit from the expertise and intelligence of partner organisations to identify and prevent fraudulent activity, respond to emerging threats and reduce the harms experienced by businesses and the public from those committing economic crime.  Membership will bolster our efforts to create a safer, more trusted business environment for legitimate businesses and the public.”

Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, added: “Companies House joining the National Fraud Database is a landmark moment for the UK’s fraud prevention ecosystem.

“Criminals have long sought to exploit company structures to perpetrate fraud. By sharing cross-sector data and intelligence, identifying risks earlier and aligning our efforts, we can make it significantly harder for fraudsters to operate and ensure we help protect the integrity of the Companies House register.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact Hayley Paterson, Cifas Press and PR Manager, on 07494 751992 or press@cifas.org.uk.

About Cifas

Cifas is the UK’s leading not-for-profit fraud prevention service, protecting businesses and individuals through the sharing of data and intelligence across the private, public and third sectors. With more than 800 members spanning key areas of the economy, including banking, retail, insurance, telecommunications and the public sector, Cifas plays a vital role in the fight against fraud and scams. Alongside its products and services, which helped organisations prevent more than £2.4 billion in fraud losses in 2025, Cifas also delivers specialist training and professional development through the Cifas Fraud and Cyber Academy and its Digital Learning programme.

Website | LinkedIn | X

About Companies House

We incorporate and dissolve limited companies. We register company information and make it available to the public. Companies House is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade.

Contact us at press@cifas.org.uk