HMRC has confirmed a new deadline of 31 December 2025 for UK Financial Institutions (“FIs”) that are required to register under the Automatic Exchange of Information (“AEOI”) framework but have not yet done so. 

This change provides a final window for in-scope entities to regularise their position, mitigate compliance risk, and avoid potential penalties or scrutiny. 

Who does this apply to?

The registration requirement applies to UK Financial Institutions that are in scope of AEOI, including (but not limited to): 

• Banks and building societies 
• Custodial institutions
• Investment entities (including certain funds and SPVs)
• Insurance companies issuing cash value or annuity products 

Entities that are newly established, previously misclassified, or that have never completed AEOI registration are particularly at risk. 

Why Registration Matters

AEOI registration is the gateway obligation for compliance under CRS (and related regimes). Without registration: 

• Reporting cannot be completed correctly 
• Nil returns may be missed 
• HMRC may consider the entity non-compliant 
• Penalties, follow-up enquiries, or audits may arise 

Registration is not optional, it is a legal requirement, even where no reportable accounts exist. 

Consequences of non-compliance

1. Late registration: £1,000 fixed plus £300 per day after HMRC notice.
2. Inaccurate or incomplete notice: up to £3,000 per error. 

How we can help

WTS Hansuke’s AEOI specialists make this fast, frictionless and defensible: 

1. Assessment: Entity classification to confirm whether each entity (manager, fund, GP/carry, trustee, UK branch) is in scope and when registration is due.
2. Registration: Preparation and lodgement of the HMRC notice with supporting evidence and a ready-to-sign declaration.
3. Assurance: Preparation of a board-ready registration confirmation note for visibility and sign-off. 

Take action to safeguard your compliance now, and book a free consultation with our experts.