
Insights

Cyber Alert: Vulnerability Discovered in Microsoft Excel; Rise in Spear-Phishing Attacks
This alert contains information about a vulnerability discovered in Microsoft® Excel®, as well as information about a recent rise in spear-phishing attacks attributable to
- Cybersecurity

M&A Due Diligence Challenges: Pre-Deal IT Due Diligence
Our M&A Due Diligence Challenges blog series addresses the changing nature of IT, cybersecurity, and data privacy and how investors can manage these risks and increase their chances of achieving a successful M&A transaction. We also discuss tales from the trenches and lessons learned from M&A due diligence we have performed for clients.
- Cybersecurity

Recent Industry Trends: Alternative Asset Managers and the GIPS Standards
Every few years, ACA and eVestment release a joint survey that queries industry participants on the value of compliance with the GIPS standards. One continual trend that we have noticed is an uptick in interest among alternative asset managers in the GIPS standards.
- Performance

ACA Compliance Group Announces New Sexual Harassment Prevention Online Training
ACA Compliance Group is pleased to announce the continued expansion of its online training platform to include its newest course on sexual harassment awareness and prevention.
- ACA News

EMIR REFIT: What do I need to know?
The amended European Market Infrastructure Regulation (“EMIR REFIT” or simply “REFIT”) came into force on 17 June. It’s designed to simplify a derivatives regime currently seen as burdensome to some market participants, particularly those whose risk profile is unlikely to impact macro stability. In this note, we summarise the key reforms and give some pointers about what you need to think about.
- Compliance

FCA puts Private Markets Firms’ Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Controls under the spotlight
Given the tone of the business plan with regards to financial crime, and a reiteration of its focus on firm governance and culture, it is no surprise that the assessments by the FCSST focussed on 6 areas. If the indications from the documents requested by the FCSST, and the interviews that took place during the onsite portion of the assessment, are anything to go by, it is clear the FCA is following through on its intent to be more intrusive.
- AML and Financial Crime

SEC Approves Regulation Best Interest
On June 5, 2019, the SEC passed Regulation Best Interest (“Reg BI”). Broker-dealers will be required to act in the best interest of their retail customers when recommending any securities transaction or investment strategy. Here's what you need to know.
- Compliance

2019 Anti-Money Laundering Regulatory Climate Update
Although there are political signals that the current U.S. administration will provide financial institutions regulatory enforcement relief in comparison to years prior, this is not the case. As evidenced by the consistent penalties enforced over the past several years, AML/BSA regulatory enforcement remains a top priority.
- AML and Financial Crime

ACA Compliance Group Announces Enhanced Trade Blotter Review Analysis Powered by ACA’s Decryptex Market Abuse Surveillance Technology
ACA's automated trade blotter review tool helps SEC-registered investment adviser clients keep pace with the SEC’s enhanced use of technology to detect insider trading, market abuse, and other potential misconduct.
- RegTech
- Trade Surveillance

Wrap-Up of ACA's Spring 2019 Compliance and Performance Conference
ACA's Spring 2019 Compliance and Performance Conference was held May 8-10 at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami, Florida.
- Events