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.

FCA Authorization Applications

If you require authorization project management to help you secure your regulatory licences - Part 4A Permission and/or AIFMD our experienced team can help. We’ve supported hundreds of firms through this process and provide support before, during and after the application, and 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. The 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. Learn more

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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Proposed Regulation Best Execution Standard

The SEC proposed new regulations requiring broker-dealers to establish policies on conflicted transactions, assess execution quality, and preserve regulation compliance records, among other specific provisions.

Compliance Alert
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  • SEC
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Enhanced Disclosures Proposed for Order Execution Information

The SEC's proposed updates would expand the scope of entities subject to Rule 605, modify the reporting information it requires, and change how its orders are categorized.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • SEC
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Tips for Updating Your Compliance Program: Identity Theft Red Flag Rule

Regulation S-ID, the “Identity Theft Red Flag Rule,” requires financial institutions to implement and administer a written program designed to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft for customers with “covered accounts.”

Article
  • Compliance
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U.S. Regulatory Update – March 2023 Edition

This month's update has tips for creating a strong ADV annual amendment, adhering to the SEC's 2023 exam priorities, and more. We share our unique insights and guidance, and include a list of important dates for the month of March.

Newsletter
  • Compliance
  • SEC
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Feeling your Pain: Advice for Updating Form ADV

With the deadline for many investment advisers to file their annual Form ADV coming March 31st, we tackle some of the most challenging questions and share guidance for easing the process.

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  • SEC
  • Compliance
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Tip for Updating Your Compliance Program: Marketing Rule Compliance

The SEC has stated that future examinations will include a focus on compliance with the new Marketing Rule. We share our guidance for preparing and updating your firm's compliance program.

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News

ACA Launches ESG Portfolio Monitoring for Private Markets

Introducing ACA Vantage for ESG; a straightforward and comprehensive solution to track and analyze ESG data, and support PE, private credit, and leveraged loan portfolios.

ACA Foreside Celebrates Double Victory at 2023 ETF Express US Awards

ACA Group (ACA) is honored to be recognized by the exchange-traded fund (ETF) industry for two awards during the 2023 ETF Express U.S. Awards.

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.

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