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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The SEC Targets Use of Predictive Data Analytics

Predictive data analytics can have a number of great uses in the financial industry. However, the SEC recently proposed rules to ensure advisers are not using it to harm investors.

Compliance Alert
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  • SEC
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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The CFTC Cracks Down on Recordkeeping Failures

The CFTC recently issued an order against an introducing broker and a futures commission merchant for violations of recordkeeping and supervision requirements. However, this is just one instance in the CFTC's crackdown.

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U.S. Regulatory Update – October 2023

The SEC's rulemaking and enforcement activity continues unabated. This issue also covers FINRA's remote inspections request, and NASAA's Reg BI report.

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  • Private Fund
  • SEC
  • SEC Marketing Rule
  • FINRA
  • ComplianceAlpha
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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.

Press Release
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  • Compliance
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2024 SEC Examination Priorities: Remember the Essentials While Adapting to Change

The theme of this year's exam priorities is while compliance teams race to adapt to new and evolving regulatory requirements, they should not lose sight of compliance fundamentals.

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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
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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