As 2025 draws to a close, firms have weathered another year of rapidly evolving technologies, risks, and regulatory change. While these are perennial challenges, two unique forces had an outsized impact on reshaping cybersecurity risk in 2025: diverging cybersecurity regulations and AI. From Europe’s new AI and resilience regulations, and the SEC’s withdrawal of 14 […]
2025 Cyber Year-End Review Read More »
At a recent roundtable, hosted by ACA and Scaler, guests shared insights on the evolving ESG landscape and identified four priorities that will shape the future. This article builds on those discussions and our earlier May 2025 briefing to explore what these priorities mean for your business: Linking sustainability initiatives to financial returns remains a
Four ESG Priorities Every Real Estate Firm Must Master Read More »
Marketing compliance teams are managing increasing complexity and growing demands because: The SEC Marketing Rule raised the bar on disclosures and performance data. FINRA and the FCA continue tightening standards. Marketing teams are producing more content than ever, which are personalized, multi-channel, and fast-paced. Every piece of marketing material needs to be reviewed, and every
How AI Is Transforming Marketing Review Without Losing Human Judgment Read More »
The FCA’s latest Suspicious Transaction and Order Reports (STOR) data reveals a sharp uptick in organised crime links and underreporting, especially in fixed income and derivatives. This isn’t just a regulatory update; it’s a wake-up call. Firms are expected to be proactive, not passive, in protecting market integrity. The regulator’s tone is shifting, and firms
The FCA Calls for Proactive Surveillance and Timely STOR Submissions Read More »
Responsible investment is entering a new phase. The UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI)’s 2026 Reporting Framework, together with key themes from the recent PRI in Person conference in São Paulo, signal a shift towards streamlined requirements and shifting expectations for signatories. Here’s what’s driving these changes and how you can prepare. UN PRI
Preparing for UN PRI 2026 Reporting Requirements Read More »
The SEC recently released a no-action letter1 allowing broker-dealers to pay transaction-based compensation due to a representative through the representative’s owned personal services entity (PSE). The request letter came from the Financial Services Institute (FSI), on behalf of its member broker-dealers who classify their registered representatives (RRs) as independent contractors. These independent contractors would often
New SEC Guidance on PSE Compensation Structure Read More »
In recent years, business development companies (BDCs) have emerged as a powerful tool for retail investors to gain exposure to private credit and private equity strategies—asset classes traditionally reserved for institutional investors. These vehicles offer a unique opportunity to participate in the growth of middle-market companies while benefiting from the income-generating potential of private credit. Explosive Growth
Accessing Private Markets Through BDCs Read More »
Private equity firms continue to face a shifting regulatory landscape, with increasing expectations around governance, valuation, and financial crime controls. At a recent peer discussion tailored to the sector, compliance leaders at our latest Compliance Officer’s Breakfast in London explored how firms are adapting to these pressures in real time. The session was co-hosted by Michael Strug, Director in ACA’s
Compliance Leaders Discuss Evolving Expectations in Private Equity Read More »
The FCA has charged a former employee of a major investment bank and an associate for alleged insider dealing linked to a corporate takeover. According to the FCA, confidential information was misused for personal gain, resulting in significant profits. The case was detected through advanced market surveillance and is now progressing through the courts. This
FCA Insider Dealing Charges Signal a Wake-Up Call For Market Abuse Controls Read More »
The 2025 Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) Conference delivered critical updates about the evolving landscape of performance reporting and compliance. Key discussions focused on GIPS standards enhancements, the SEC Marketing Rule FAQs, and emerging best practices in attribution, private fund reporting, ethics, and leadership. The CFA Institute also reaffirmed its commitment to driving adoption of the GIPS Standards among OCIO firms and asset owners. GIPS
Key Updates from the 2025 GIPS Standards Conference Read More »
