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.

CONNECT WITH US


CONNECT WITH US


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

1 of

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+
hallway with light at end of tunnel

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

New Requirements for Broker-Dealer Execution Quality Reports

Amendments to Rule 605 also require attention from Investment Advisers and Investment Company Directors

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • Broker-Dealer
  • SEC
highway from overhead daytime

U.S. Regulatory Update – February 2024

This update covers new rules for asset-backed securities transactions, tips for filing Form ADV, FINRA's new rules for home offices and the remote office inspection program, the Corporate Transparency Act, and more.

Newsletter
  • Compliance
  • SEC
  • FINRA
Will SM&CR Pass its own fit and proper test

The FCA Proposes a New Approach to Publicise Investigations

The FCA’s recent proposal to publicise investigations should prompt investment firms to take a fresh look at compliance culture, platforms and testing.

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

FINRA’s New Remote Branch Office Inspection Pilot Program and Residential Supervisory Location Designation

FINRA recently published a regulatory notice to revise the definition of an OSJ and how OSJs are supervised.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • FINRA
highway at night from overhead

8 Steps CCOs Should Take Now to Prepare for AI Regulation

Without question, one of the hottest topics for firms over the past year has been the emergence and rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools and technologies in the workplace. However, AI use is not without risk Read our recent blog outlining details of the regulatory response to AI use in financial services firms and get our 8 steps to better manage AI Risk.

Article
  • Compliance
  • Cybersecurity
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AdobeStock_317630718 1200x900.jpeg

Form PF 2.0: Significant Amendments Implemented by the SEC and CFTC

The SEC and CFTC recently adopted amendments to Form PF that help monitor systemic risk and bolster oversight of private fund advisers.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • SEC

News

ACA Announces Expansion of the Executive Leadership Team with Key Appointments

ACA Group announces the addition of two distinguished professionals to its executive leadership team, Jaime Klein as Chief Human Resources Officer and Alex Fischer as General Counsel.

Highlights From the 2024 ACA Conference

As the curtains close on the ACA Conference 2024, the echoes of transformative dialogue and insightful revelations resonate, shaping the trajectory of GRC in financial services.

Cybersecurity Benchmarking Survey Lists Top Concerns and Preparedness Among Respondents

Our annual survey in partnership with NSCP reveals that investment firms overlook AI as a cybersecurity risk and remain wary about SEC cybersecurity enforcement and compliance with new rules

Upcoming events

Curing Compliance Insomnia: Top 5 Compliance Challenges Keeping You Up At Night

Ever-changing regulation, the threat of an impending exam, and worrying about whether your reps are texting clients are among just a few of the compliance concerns wealth managers face daily. Join us as we address the top 5 compliance challenges for wealth managers and how to mitigate them.

Webcast