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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2019 Alternative Fund Manager Compliance Survey Results

Firms of all levels of experience responded to ACA’s twelfth annual survey in a series that focuses on the novel and complex issues facing hedge fund and illiquid fund (e.g., private equity, real estate, venture, and infrastructure) managers.

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December 2019 Broker-Dealer Newsletter

ACA Broker-Dealer Services invites you to download the latest edition of our newsletter.

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2020 Regulatory Reporting Deadlines Calendar

Download our printable calendar of key regulatory reporting deadlines for the SEC, CFTC, NFA, and ESMA regulatory filings in addition to national holidays at a glance.

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Year-End Recap and CCO Compliance Checklist

A number of regulatory updates and industry developments happened in 2019 that may impact how year-end compliance tasks are prioritized and 2020 initiatives are set. We’ve compiled a checklist to help guide you through key areas as you work to meet your 2019 obligations and head into 2020.

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The UK Stewardship Code 2020: What’s changing and why it matters

From 1 January 2020, many UK fund managers and providers will be more responsible and accountable for financial management as well as environmental, social and governance ESG. We examine what these changes mean for firms.

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Record fine issued for governance and control failings over regulatory reporting

Yesterday, the UK arm of a large international banking group was issued a record fine of £44 million for governance and control failings surrounding its capital adequacy and regulatory reporting. What lessons can firms learn from this enforcement?

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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.

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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

Wealth Management EDGE

Join the ACA Wealth and ACA Foreside teams in Hollywood, FL at the Wealth Management EDGE Conference.

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2024 FINRA Annual Conference

Meet-up with ACA's team at the FINRA Annual Conference, FINRA’s premier event which provides the opportunity for practitioners, peers and regulators to exchange ideas on today’s most timely compliance and regulatory topics.

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