Registration, Authorization, and Initial Filing Services

The registration or application process can seem lengthy, overwhelming, and daunting. Whether you seek 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 unnecessary complications and delays.

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

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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.

Our dedicated team can help you seek authorization and apply for your Part 4A Permission.

With experience of supporting hundreds of firms through the process, providing support before, during, and after the application, we can help you avoid unnecessary complications and delays.  

A London-based regional practice, providing RIAs and ERAs a unique offering of on-the-ground, comprehensive SEC compliance support. 

This 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.

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. 

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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FINRA Alert Regarding Form BR for Residential Supervisory Locations

FINRA issued an alert to member firms advising them not to close or withdraw Form BRs for Residential Supervisory Locations

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • FINRA
highway at night from overhead

Q3 2024 Regulatory Reporting Deadlines

Financial firms must meet various regulatory filings requirements throughout the year. These are the regulatory filing submission deadlines occurring from July through September 2024.

Article
  • Regulatory Deadlines
  • Compliance
  • SEC
  • FINRA
  • FCA
Building with windows

Exploring Pathways to Market into Europe

When establishing or expanding a business in the UK and/or across the EU, there are various paths you can take. We outline key points to consider before you embark on your new business journey.

Article
  • Compliance
  • FCA
  • Mirabella
curved glass building looking up at a blue sky

The Department of Labor’s Amended ERISA QPAM Exemption Goes Live June 17, 2024

The QPAM exemption suspends certain ERISA rules against conflicts of interest and self-dealing for advisers managing or advising assets of retirement plans or individual retirement accounts.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
forest of trees from above

The ACA/NSCP AI Benchmarking Survey is Now Open

We partnered with NSCP to launch this inaugural survey to help you better understand how your peers are managing the risks and opportunities of AI.

Survey
  • Compliance
  • Cybersecurity
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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The FCA Reminds Firms of the Importance of Data and Algorithmic Governance in Market Abuse Surveillance 

In its Market Watch 79, the FCA issued a reminder to firms about the perils of data issues and poor algorithmic governance in tools used for market abuse surveillance. 

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • FCA
  • Trade Surveillance
  • RegTech
  • ComplianceAlpha

News

Advisers’ Concerns of Off-Channel Communications Surpasses the Marketing Rule as Top Compliance Concern, Survey Reveals

Advisers’ concerns of off-channel communications eclipsed the Marketing Rule as the top compliance concern, according to the 2024 Investment Management Compliance Testing Survey.

ACA Group Named Most Preferred Workplace by Marksmen/India Today 2024-2025

ACA Honored with Marksmen/India Today Award for Most Preferred Workplace for 2024-2025

Apex Group and ACA Form Strategic Partnership to Enhance Client Experience

Apex Group and ACA form strategic partnership to enhance client experience. The alliance enables clients to seamlessly identify a reputable service provider that will help support and protect their business.

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