In today’s regulatory climate, U.S. financial firms are under pressure to demonstrate proactive compliance and readiness for scrutiny. ACA’s Market Abuse Surveillance (MAS) powered Mock Exams are not just an SEC exam simulation; they’re a strategic, tech-enabled solution that mirrors the depth and rigor of a real regulatory exam.
What are ACA’s MAS powered Mock Exams?
ACA’s comprehensive mock exams are designed to replicate the structure and intensity of an actual SEC exam, integrating ACA’s proprietary MAS technology with the leadership of former examiners who know what the regulator is looking for.
By utilizing key components of ACA’s MAS technology, our mock exams team can review client data, such as trade blotters and security positions, and apply algorithms to generate items of interest (IOIs). IOIs are potential red flags that could attract regulatory attention, such as suspicious trading activity or timing anomalies linked to news events.
MAS is modeled after the SEC’s own National Exam Analytic Tool (NEAT), which examiners use to identify problematic trading behavior. ACA’s MAS enables our mock exams team to conduct a trading review that’s as close to the SEC’s review as possible.
For example, the technology might flag trades that occurred shortly before news broke about an issuer. ACA’s team can then probe deeper into the IOI, asking the firm to explain the rationale behind those trades and provide documentation, just as an SEC examiner would.
Why Market Abuse Surveillance Matters
This tech-enabled approach transforms mock exams from static reviews into dynamic, data-driven examinations. It allows us to:
- Identify risks regulators would flag.
- Simulate real-world exam conditions.
- Deliver deeper insight into trading behavior.
- Help firms strengthen internal controls before issues escalate.
With tech developers continuously refining MAS as a result of our team’s field use, our technology is constantly evolving to stay ahead of regulatory trends.
Expertise Meets Innovation
ACA’s technology-enabled Mock Exams are led by Robert Baker (former SEC Assistant Regional Director) and Michele Foldenauer (former SEC Exam Manager). Their deep industry experience ensures that every mock exam is aligned with current enforcement priorities and examination tactics.
Combined with ACA’s technology, this team delivers a mock exam experience that’s not only realistic but strategically valuable, helping firms anticipate regulatory scrutiny and prepare accordingly.
A Strategic Investment in Compliance
In an era of rising uncertainty and reputational risk, ACA’s MAS powered Mock Exams offer a smarter, more confident path to SEC compliance. It’s not just about passing an exam; it’s about building a resilient framework that can withstand scrutiny and adapt to change.
Whether you’re preparing for your next SEC exam, or simply want to benchmark your compliance program, ACA’s MAS technology delivers the insight, rigor, and innovation you need.
Take the smarter path forward.