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

ESG trees 1200x900.jpeg

CFA Institute Releases ESG Disclosure Standards for Investment Products

Following the release of the CFA Institute's Exposure Draft of ESG Disclosure Standards for Investment Products, we outline what the standards include, the related timelines, and what these changes mean for firms.

Compliance Alert
  • ESG
  • Performance
  • Compliance
  • GIPS Standards
EU and UK Flags

Brexit: EMIR Reporting - Getting the Right Repository

Brexit is another in a long line of moving goalposts that requires firms to revisit their EMIR reporting arrangements. Are you confident your reports are being submitted correctly? Download our guidance to learn more.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • Brexit
  • Trade & Transaction
  • FCA
brexit 2

EEA Firms in the TPR: Have you Received your Landing Slot to Apply for Full Authorisation in the UK?

Firms that signed up to the Brexit Temporary Permissions Regime (TPR) will shortly be sent a ‘landing slot' from the FCA to apply for full authorisation in the UK. Learn more about the process, and why this is not as straightforward as it seems.

Compliance Alert
  • Brexit
  • FCA
  • Compliance
highway at night from overhead

Fill the Gaps this Summer with Additional Compliance Support

After the challenges of the past year, many people are looking forward to a return to normalcy and preparing to return to the office. Across the industry, many firms are dealing with an increase in staff turnover as we turn the corner post-pandemic. Other firms, including ACA, are gearing up for summer breaks to recharge. But in the compliance industry, taking a break from work isn’t as simple as turning on your “out of office” message and walking out the door.

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

AML Update for Investment Advisers

The 2015 FinCEN Proposal and several other financial crime risks make AML relevant for investment advisers and all other participants in the securities and financial industry. This update summarizes key developments in the AML space during the first half of 2021 and how they may impact your firm.

Compliance Alert
  • AML and Financial Crime
  • Compliance
Architectural image - office windows

New Research Shows That 97% of Firms are Reporting Incorrectly Under MiFIR/EMIR

Recent research and analysis shows 97% of reports under MIFIR/EMIR contain inaccuracies, on average each report has 30 separate error types. But worryingly, despite this, 87% of firms are confident in the quality of their reports. On the anniversary of EMIR REFIT, data quality is still poor

Press Release
  • Compliance
  • Trade & Transaction
  • Managed Services
  • ACA News

News

ACA Mirabella Celebrates Ninth Consecutive Year of Success at With Intelligence HFM European Services Awards

We are proud to announce we have secured victory in three prestigious categories at the With Intelligence HFM European Services Awards.

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

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