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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How ETP Managers Can Ensure Compliance with Continued Listing Standards

In early 2017, the SEC approved rule-change proposals establishing continued listing standards for passively and actively managed exchange-traded products. More specifically, the rules require ETP issuers and managers to adopt new monitoring and oversight protocols to ensure continued compliance with the applicable listing standards. In the event an ETP falls out of compliance with the standards, the Manager must promptly notify the appropriate Exchange.

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  • Compliance
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Are You Ready? SFC's FMCC Compliance Checklist

On November 18, 2018, this new set of rules will come into force, bringing additional governance, operational, and disclosure requirements. As the FMCC countdown clock ticks ever closer to the deadline, these are the key compliance components that fund management firms should have in place before impact day.

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  • Compliance
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FCA Warns Firms Over Market Abuse Surveillance

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) outlined a number of observations relating to market abuse surveillance. These should serve as a reminder and encourage investment management firms to review their existing policies, systems and controls in this area. But what does this guidance say and how should firms best take heed?

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  • Compliance
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Financial Institutions May Need to Reconsider Their Approach to Electronic Communication Surveillance

Regulators in both the U.S. and U.K. continue to focus on electronic communication oversight programs as a form of detecting and preventing financial crime and non-compliance within financial organizations. We’ve seen the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) increase their focus on this area over the past two years, and we anticipate this scrutiny will likely increase. This blog post tells you what you need to know and ACA's guidance.

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  • Compliance
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Behind on Your Annual Testing Mandate? How ACA Can Help

The Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act") imposes a significant number of regulatory obligations on the roughly 13,000 advisers registered under its purview. One of the broader mandates under the Advisers Act, articulated by Rule 206(4)-7 (the “Compliance Program Rule”), requires advisers to review, no less frequently than annually, the adequacy of the policies and procedures established and the effectiveness of their implementation.

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  • Compliance
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ACA Compliance Group Completes the Acquisition of Cordium

ACA Compliance Group (“ACA”) announced today that, following the receipt of regulatory approvals, it has completed the acquisition of Cordium, a leading provider of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) products and services. As of today, ACA employs nearly 700 people and provides products and services to over 4,000 clients worldwide. The financial terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.

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  • Compliance

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.

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