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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MiFID II for Asset Managers: Communications Record Keeping

Communications record keeping obligations which include phone taping, are likely to prove particularly challenging when it comes to the cost of compliance and complexity of systems requirements.

Compliance Alert
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5 Ways to Meet Regulators' Expectations Regarding Electronic Communications

The electronic communication mediums that investment advisers use to conduct business continue to evolve, posing a challenge to the compliance community’s ability to retain and adequately supervise

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Calculating Assets Under Management vs. Assets Under Advisement

The SEC has been paying close attention to discrepancies in Form ADV filings, specifically reviewing assets under management. When Annual Updates are due, it’s important to pay close attention to how you calculate your regulatory assets under management (RAUM).

Article
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  • SEC
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Continuing Education – Regulatory Element vs. Firm Element

FINRA Rule 1250 requires registered persons to participate in Continuing Education (“CE”), with both Regulatory Element and Firm Element training. We break down these categories and how to differentiate them.

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  • Compliance
December

Branching Out – Office Registration

When opening a new office in the securities industry, FINRA’s Rule 3110(f) outlines the role of each associated office and registration requirements for each office type.

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  • Compliance
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New FINRA Rule 3210 - Accounts at Other Broker-Dealers and Financial Institutions

FINRA has received approval to update the requirement for disclosure and review of employee brokerage accounts. On April 13, 2016, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) approved Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Rule 3210 (Accounts At Other Broker-Dealers and Financial Institutions) to replace current National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”) Rule 3050 (Transactions for or by Associated Persons). The effective date for this rule has not yet been determined.

Compliance Alert
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News

ACA Group Named a 2024 DataTech50 Provider

ACA Group acknowledged as one of the most innovative tech companies offering data management solutions in financial services

ACA Group Expands U.S. Compliance Team with Former SEC and FINRA Regulators, In-House CCOs, Seasoned Regulatory Consultants, and Attorneys

We are committed to meeting the needs of our clients. This year, we have made several notable additions to the team to help us to continue to operate at the forefront of the compliance industry. Learn more about our team.

ACA Group Acquires Encore Compliance Adding AI Technology to Enhance Managed Services Capabilities

ACA Group Acquires Encore Compliance to Enhance Managed Services Capabilities with AI Technology. Acquisition enhances ACA’s technology solutions to support day-to-day compliance requirements and reduce risk

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