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

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FCA Warn of 'Tough, Assertive Approach’ to Brexit TPR Landing Slot Authorisations

The FCA recently warned of "a tough, assertive approach" to financial services firms wishing to continue to operate in the UK post the Brexit Temporary Permissions Regime. Learn more about why this leaves firms at risk of being prevented from initiating further regulated activity in the UK.

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Chairman Gensler Signals an Increase in Scrutiny & Regulation of Private Markets Fund Industry

U.S. SEC Chariman, Gary Gensler, recently signaled increased scrutiny of private markets fund managers. He honed in on the significant increase in the private equity and venture capital fund industry over the last 5 years.

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Q4 2021 Regulatory Reporting Deadlines

Regulatory filing submission deadlines for the SEC, CFTC/NFA, and FCA/ESMA occurring from October through December 2021.

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UNPRI’s Next Reporting Period Delayed Until Early 2023

The United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) recently announced a delay in the next PRI reporting period, along with the release of 2021 scores and public transparency reports. We outline what this means for firms.

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European Regulator Fines Major Trade Repository for EMIR Breaches

The EU’s securities markets regulator, European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), recently fined a major trade repository for eight breaches of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). We examine why it’s vital that firms review the quality of their reporting, including where it is being delegated, to be sure it meets regulatory expectations.

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FINRA Reminds Firms of Supervisory Obligations Related to Outsourcing to Third-Party Vendors

FINRA recently issued a notice to members reminding them of their third-party vendor supervisory obligations. It provides guidance regarding conducting diligence, onboarding the vendor, and supervision of the vendor's activities.

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News

Michael Borts joins ACA Group as the new Chief Technology Officer

Michael Borts has joined the firm as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead ACA’s technology development, vision, and strategy. In his role, he will oversee all product development for ACA’s award-winning ComplianceAlpha® regulatory technology platform and technology enablement at the firm.

ACA Group Acquires Catelas to Create Industry-first 360 Surveillance Offering

The acquisition of Catelas further enhances the holistic surveillance capabilities of ACA’s RegTech platform. Catelas’ patented technology automates the mapping of how people connect and form groups within a firm, isolates collusion risk, and detects high-risk behaviors.

ACA Group and the Investment Adviser Association Announce Strategic Partnership

ACA Group (ACA), a leading provider of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) advisory services and technology solutions, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with the Investment Adviser Association (IAA), a leading organization dedicated to advancing the interests of investment advisers.

Upcoming events

Common Practices for GIPS® Compliance

ACA has gathered all the common best practices of performance teams complying to the GIPS standards and will discuss the most common question we receive from clients, "What do other firms do?"

Webcast

Compliance Officer: The Roles and Responsibilities - 21 October 2021

The role of the Compliance Officer is a mandatory position in all firms in the Financial Services Industry. They play a major role in assisting Senior Management to ensure that appropriate and effective systems and controls are in place to achieve and maintain compliance with the applicable Rules. While the nature of the Compliance Function is likely to differ from one firm to another, this course provides an easy to follow breakdown of what the Regulator expects of a Compliance Officer and explains, in practical terms how the regulatory expectations and those of Senior Management can be achieved.

Online Training
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