Registration, Authorization, and Initial Filing Services

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  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.

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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 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.

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

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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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OCIE Publishes Marketing Risk Alert

On September 14, 2017, the SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”) issued a National Exam Program Risk Alert related to Rule 206(4)-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advertising Rule”). The risk alert highlights the compliance issues most commonly noted by the SEC’s examination staff as part of a recent “Touting Initiative.” That initiative, which consisted of reviews of approximately 70 investment advisers, focused on the use of “accolades” in advertising.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
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SEC Tightens Record-Keeping Requirement on RIAs Reporting Performance

The amendments to Investment Advisers Act Rule 204-2 will require advisers to maintain additional records related to the calculation and distribution of performance information.

Article
  • SEC
  • Compliance
  • Performance
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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
  • Compliance
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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

Article
  • Compliance
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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
  • Compliance
  • 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.

Article
  • Compliance
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News

ACA Group Recognized as RegTech100 Company for Fifth Consecutive Year

ACA Group Recognized as RegTech100 Company for Fifth Consecutive Year

ACA Group Revolutionizes ESG Data Management with Enhanced ACA Vantage for ESG Platform

ACA Group introduces advanced features to its ACA Vantage for ESG platform, leveraging AI to help clients verify ESG data and streamline data management processes. This innovative solution empowers organizations to efficiently manage ESG requirements with greater accuracy and ease.

ACA Group Recognized at Pittsburgh Technology Council’s Tech 50 

ACA Group Recognized at Pittsburgh Technology Council’s Tech 50

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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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