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. We can also help you get authorized with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) in the DIFC and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA”) in the ADGM

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 registration 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.

We guide firms through the DFSA and FSRA authorization process, ensuring a seamless experience and alignment with regulatory expectations.

Once registered, we provide continued support to help maintain compliance, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and ensure your business operates with confidence in the UAE’s financial hubs.

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, our filing compliance solution services have 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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FCA to Carry Out Review on MiFID II Research Arrangements

The FCA revealed at its recent Asset Management Conference that it will be undertaking a ‘diagnostic’ review of research and inducements at a range of organisations. It is expected that the FCA will be pragmatic in their assessment, taking a risk-based approach to analysing measures adopted to date. However, firms should be prepared to justify their approach should they be in scope of any such reviews.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
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SM&CR Paves the Way for Increased Individual Responsibility

In its 2018-19 business plan, the FCA make it one of its cross-sector priorities to finalise the rules and extend the Senior Managers & Certification Regime to all FCA-authorised firms. This blog outlines the current regulatory thinking in this area and what firms should be doing to prepare themselves for the looming changes.

Article
  • Compliance
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Now Batting: The SEC's Form N-CEN with Two on Deck

As of June 1, 2018, registered investment companies are required to file Form N-CEN with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on an annual basis. This new form replaces the semi-annual census reporting on Form N-SAR and must be filed within 75 days of a fund’s fiscal year end (with an exception for unit investment trusts, which must file within 75 days of calendar year end).

Article
  • Compliance
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New prudential regime for investment firms: how are MiFID managers impacted?

The prudential framework is a new rulebook developed by the European Commission for investment firms. It is designed to be simpler and more proportionate to a firm’s operations. Last month we looked at the impact on Exempt CAD firms. Now we examine the regime’s impact on the capital and liquidity requirements on MiFID managers.

Article
  • Compliance
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Don’t Get Burned. Do You Have Compliance Coverage this Summer?

Summer is finally here! With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start to summer it’s time to take a break, but in the compliance industry it’s not as simple as turning on your “out of office” and walking out the door. Compliance officers and managers need the assurance that they can leave the office and still have the resources available to fulfill both their regulatory obligations and their fiduciary duty to clients.

Article
  • Compliance
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What Additional Data Do Quarterly Form PF Filers Need?

Hedge funds and hedge fund advisers that need to file Form PF on a quarterly basis may already know the challenges they face. This blog post summarizes what additional information you need as a quarterly filer to help you prepare for the next submission deadline.

Article
  • Compliance

News

ACA Group Acquires Global Trading Analytics to Offer Clients Leading Transaction Cost Analysis Capabilities

ACA Group Acquires Global Trading Analytics to Offer Clients Leading Transaction Cost Analysis Capabilities

Five ACA Group Leaders Recognized Among the 2&20 Top 100 Most Influential People in the Service Provision for Alternative Investment Firms

Five ACA Group Leaders Recognized Among the 2&20 Top 100 Most Influential People in the Service Provision for Alternative Investment Firms

ACA Group Recognized as RegTech100 Company for Fifth Consecutive Year

ACA Group Recognized as RegTech100 Company for Fifth Consecutive Year

Upcoming events

2025 ACA Conference

Join us in sunny Orlando, Florida for ACA's 2025 Conference, "Preparing Today, Protecting Tomorrow," where industry leaders and experts will converge to explore the evolving landscape of financial services.

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