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

ACA View

The Overseas Funds Regime

Marketing a new fund in the UK that is domiciled overseas to retail investors is about to change. New EEA UCITS could be coming to market in the UK by November, 2024.

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

Changes Coming to the NFA’s Member Questionnaire (Formerly Known as the Annual Questionnaire)

New amendments adopted by the NFA will require individuals who are both a principal and an associated person to review, sign, and submit the Member Questionnaire.

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

FINRA Maintenance Margin Requirements Become Effective May 22, 2024

FINRA’s amendments to Rule 4210 requires members to collect margin for each counterparty's excess mark or market loss related to covered agency transactions.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • FINRA
London at night

Ten Advantages of Pursuing FCA Authorisation

We outline ten reasons why seeking FCA authorisation can bring benefits beyond compliance, including enhanced credibility, market access, investor confidence, and long-term sustainability.

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

SEC Examinations Division to Evaluate Firms’ Readiness for T+1

The SEC Examinations Division issued a risk alert reminding broker-dealers, clearing agencies, and investment advisers of their new obligations in connection with the transition to T+1 settlement of certain securities transactions.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • SEC
highway at night from overhead

The FTC Safeguards Rule Amendments Becomes Effective May 13, 2024

Beginning May 13, 2024, amendments to the "Safeguards Rule” will require subject firms to report “notification events” to the FTC as soon as possible.

Article
  • Compliance

News

No Conversation Left Behind: ACA's Advanced Communication Channel Capture for Total Oversight

ACA Expands Communication Channel Capture to Strengthen Compliance Oversight

ACA Aponix Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary and National Cybersecurity Month

ACA Aponix Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary and National Cybersecurity Month. Reflecting on a decade of cybersecurity leadership, technological advancement, and industry recognition for financial services

Honoring the Legacy of Michael Lehman

ACA remembers and honors the life of Michael Lehman, the co-founder of Decryptex, now known as our Market Abuse Surveillance solution, a cornerstone of ACA’s ComplianceAlpha® platform today.

Upcoming events

Ready for DORA? Top tips for last minute compliance

Join us on 10 October 2024 at 11:00 (ET) for an insightful webcast where we will discuss who this directive applies to, the challenges posed by DORA and what you can do now to meet the compliance date.

Webcast