Registration, Authorization, and Initial Filing Services

  1. GRC Compliance Advisory Services
  2. 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.

FCA Authorization Support

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.  

SEC Registration Support for Firms Outside of the U.S

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.

Brexit FCA Authorization

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. 

New Investment Firm Launches or Extension of Existing Ventures

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

curved glass building looking up at a blue sky

FINRA Provides Guidance Regarding Suspicious Activity Monitoring and Reporting Obligations

FINRA recently issued Regulation Notice 19-18 (the “Notice”), which provided guidance to member firms regarding their monitoring obligations with respect to suspicious activity pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) and anti-money laundering (“AML”) requirements.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
highway at night from overhead

Q&A: The New Prudential Regime - What Does This Mean for You?

The Investment Firm Regulation (IFR), a new prudential framework developed by the European Commission (EC), will soon apply to all MiFID investment firms. The vast majority of investment firms will need to adapt to a new set of capital, liquidity, and reporting requirements. Whether or not you believe these rules are simpler and more proportionate to investment firms, you need to be prepared.

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

Transaction Reporting: Six Common Failings

Hot on the heels of two well publicised MiFID I fines for transaction reporting failings, the FCA has published Market Watch 59, the content of which is totally monopolised by transaction reporting. This signals that the regulator is now squarely turning its attention to failings under the MiFID II regime. The FCA once more reinforces the importance of complete and accurate transaction reports.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
New York City from above at twilight

ACA Compliance Group Announces Online Insider Trading Awareness Training for Investment Advisers

ACA Compliance Group is excited to announce the expansion of its online training platform which allows ACA to provide a variety of customized trainings for registered investment advisers across the industry.

News
  • Compliance
highway at night from overhead

The Changing Landscape of Compliance Staffing

The staffing needs for financial services firms are constantly evolving. The ever-changing regulatory landscape combined with the increasing adoption of regulatory technology can make finding and retaining qualified staff with the required proficiencies a challenge for HR departments and recruiters.

Article
  • Compliance
forest of trees from above

2019 Investment Management Compliance Testing Survey

ACA Compliance Group and the Investment Adviser Association invite you to participate in the 2019 Investment Management Compliance Testing Survey. The survey is open to compliance professionals at SEC-registered investment advisers. The survey will remain open through Friday, May 31.

Survey
  • Compliance
More Insights

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.

More News

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
More Events