Registration, Authorization, and Initial Filing Services

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  1. Our Solutions
  2. GRC Compliance Consulting Services
  3. Registration, Authorization, and Initial Filing Services

The registration or application process can seem lengthy, overwhelming, and daunting. Whether you are seeking authorization for the first time, or are an established regulated firm looking to move into a new line of business we can help you avoid any unnecessary complications and delays.

Our team will simplify the process by assisting with your initial application or filing, support with the set-up and implementation of your compliance program, and provide ongoing support.

Our solutions

We offer SEC, FINRA, CFTC and NFA, and state registration as well as FCA authorization support services. Or if you are launching a new investment management firm, or extending an existing venture, we also offer regulatory hosting through ACA Mirabella.

SEC Registration Support

SEC requires certain investment advisers to register with the SEC and to establish and maintain an adequate compliance program. Our team will assist your firm with the initial Form ADV filing, annual Form ADV amendments, and the set up and maintenance of an adequate and effective compliance program.

FINRA Registration Support

Broker-dealers are required to register with the FINRA and establish an adequate compliance program. We'll assist with the initial broker-dealer application filing, CRD training, and preparation of compliance and supervisory procedures. In addition, our team can assist existing broker-dealers with a Change in Membership (CMA) application with FINRA.

NFA Registration Support

If you're seeking CFTC registration and National Futures Association (NFA) membership our team includes former NFA examiners who can guide you through the relevant steps in the registration process and assist with the development and implementation of your commodity interest-related compliance program.

FCA Authorization Applications

If you require authorization project management to help you secure your regulatory licences - Part 4A Permission and/or AIFMD our experienced team can help. We’ve supported hundreds of firms through this process and provide support before, during and after the application, and can help you avoid unnecessary complications and delays. 

SEC Registration Support for Firms Outside of the U.S

A London-based regional practice, providing RIAs and ERAs a unique offering of on-the-ground, comprehensive SEC compliance support. The specialist team has conducted more than 250 mock SEC examinations and compliance program reviews, and provided support to more than 100 financial services firms registered with a range of European regulators. Learn more

Brexit FCA Authorization

If you wish to submit a full FCA license or a third-country branch application, our Brexit team is on hand to help. We will draft the FCA application package, prepare for meetings with the regulator where required, and respond to FCA due diligence requests. 

New Investment Firm Launches or Extension of Existing Ventures

For firms wishing to launch a new venture, we offer regulatory hosting through ACA Mirabella. This multi-award winning platform is the the industry’s preferred institutional-quality solution for regulatory incubation because of the strong oversight and controls the team brings to each organisation’s project. Mirabella enables firms to get up and running quickly by operating under its regulatory agency

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Who we've helped

With a client base of over 3,500 firms, we've successfully assisted thousands of firms through the registration and authorization process.

SEC Registrations for U.S. Firms

700+

SEC Registrations for Non-U.S. Based Firms

100+

FCA Authorizations

350+
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Why work with us?

Our team includes former SEC, FINRA, FCA, NFA, CFTC, OCC, and state regulators along with former along with former Chief Compliance Officers and senior compliance managers from prominent financial institutions. We offer a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and the holistic use of technology to maximize efficiencies and provide true value. 

With ACA, you can feel confident knowing that your consultants have the relevant and current regulatory and in-house expertise to support you through every step of the process.

Latest insights

London at night

FCA Business Plan 2021/2: A New Era in Financial Services Regulation in the UK?

July 29, 2021

The FCA’s Business Plan for 2021/22 is now live, reflecting a major shift in policy objectives and a top to bottom review of the FCA’s own objectives and priorities. We outline the key changes and challenges identified, and what they mean for firms.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • ESG
  • FCA
  • Managed Services
  • Brexit
  • Mirabella
Light through blocks

96% of Firms Unprepared for the FCA’s New Prudential Regime

July 28, 2021

With less than six months to go until UK investment firms are subjected to a completely new prudential regime, a recent survey reveals that the industry is vastly underprepared. The data shows that just 4% of respondents are ready and capitalised for the FCA’s new Investment Firm Prudential Regime (IFPR) coming into effect in January 2022. Learn more about what this means for firms.

Press Release
  • Compliance
  • ACA News
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A Spotlight on the United Nations Climate Change conference, COP26

July 22, 2021

This year, heads of state, climate experts and campaigners will meet at the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP26) to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change, but which developments are likely to be most important from the perspective of the financial services industry? And what does all this mean for firms in the future?

Article
  • ESG
  • Compliance
brexit 2

Post-Brexit FAQs - FCA Authorisation and Compliance for EEA Firms in the TPR

July 21, 2021

The FCA is now offering firms that signed up to the Temporary Permissions Regime a “landing slot” to apply for full authorisation. Firms that miss their slot risk losing their temporary permissions completely. Read our FAQ's to learn more about your requirements.

Compliance Alert
  • Brexit
  • FCA
  • Compliance

Q3 2021 Regulatory Reporting Deadlines

July 20, 2021

Regulatory filing submission deadlines for the SEC, CFTC/NFA, and ESMA occurring from July through September 2021

Article
  • Compliance
  • Regulatory Deadlines
Roads and roundabouts

EU Cross Border Fund Distribution Directive and Regulation - Raises More Questions than it Answers?

July 15, 2021

Marketing rules have traditionally taken a jurisdictional rather than EU wide harmonious approach. With new cross border distribution rules coming into play on 2 August 2021, we examine the impact on AIFs and UCITS funds.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • ComplianceAlpha
  • Brexit
More Insights

News

96% of Firms Unprepared for the FCA’s New Prudential Regime

With less than six months to go until UK investment firms are subjected to a completely new prudential regime, a recent survey reveals that the industry is vastly underprepared. The data shows that just 4% of respondents are ready and capitalised for the FCA’s new Investment Firm Prudential Regime (IFPR) coming into effect in January 2022. Learn more about what this means for firms.

Waters Rankings 2021 Name ACA Group's ComplianceAlpha® Best Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Solution Provider

Our ComplianceAlpha® platform has been named Best Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Solution Provider in the Waters Rankings 2021.

ACA's Regulatory Reporting Monitoring & Assurance (ARRMA) service winner of the 2021 HFM European Technology Awards

Within a year of launching, ACA Group is delighted to announce that our ACA Regulatory Reporting Monitoring & Assurance (ARRMA) service has been selected as Best Regulatory Reporting Solution in the 2021 HFM European Technology Awards.

Upcoming events

Senior Management Obligations under the SM&CR - 11 August 2021

The ever-increasing focus by the Regulators on the accountability of senior management, particularly when things go wrong, emphasises how important it is for individuals in senior positions to have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. This succinct course is designed to assist Senior Managers to have a full understanding of what they need to do to achieve compliance with the rules under the obligations created by the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR).

Online Training

Compliance Induction - 17 August 2021

Senior management in Financial Services firms have a responsibility to ensure their employees have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Regulatory environment they are working in. This knowledge helps in emphasising the need for compliance with policies and procedures in order to protect the firm and the individual from failing to “do the right thing”.

Online Training
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