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.

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. 

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

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

curved glass building looking up at a blue sky

The CFTC Proposes Changes to Regulation 4.7 (Registration Lite)

If passed, this rule proposal will bring significant changes to the most popular form of registration for commodity pool operators and commodity trading advisors.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
December

FAQs: Top Questions Answered About the SEC's Private Fund Adviser Rules

Access a source for answers to common questions to help you better understand your obligations to meet the SEC's Private Fund Adviser Rules (IA-5955).

Article
  • Compliance
  • Performance
  • ComplianceAlpha
  • Private Fund
ACA Global

U.S. Regulatory Update – September 2023

Summer is over, and the SEC has a heavy rulemaking agenda for this fall, so hold on to your seats!

Article
  • SEC
  • Compliance
  • Broker-Dealer
  • Investment Adviser
curved glass building looking up at a blue sky

Advisory Firm Settles Cherry Picking Fraud Charges With the SEC

This case should give pause to firms of all sizes to evaluate what they are doing to proactively detect potential market abuse on their own.

Compliance Alert
  • RegTech
  • ComplianceAlpha
  • SEC
  • Compliance
curved glass building looking up at a blue sky

SEC Private Fund Adviser Rules: What Made the Cut

The SEC recently voted to adopt new rules and amendments, known as the Private Fund Adviser Rule. Here's a summary of the new rules and how they changed from the original proposals.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • Performance
  • Private Fund
Symmetrical structures

The New TPF Regime: Treating Politicians Fairly?

The FCA has asked politically exposed persons to share their experiences with regulated firms as part of the regulator's review of firms’ treatment of PEPs.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • AML and Financial Crime

News

ACA Launches ESG Portfolio Monitoring for Private Markets

Introducing ACA Vantage for ESG; a straightforward and comprehensive solution to track and analyze ESG data, and support PE, private credit, and leveraged loan portfolios.

ACA Foreside Celebrates Double Victory at 2023 ETF Express US Awards

ACA Group (ACA) is honored to be recognized by the exchange-traded fund (ETF) industry for two awards during the 2023 ETF Express U.S. Awards.

ACA Group Launches New Solutions to Meet Full Scope of SEC’s Private Fund Adviser Rules

ACA released two new solutions aimed at helping private fund managers worldwide comply with the recently adopted SEC Private Fund Adviser Rules.

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