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.

CONNECT WITH US


CONNECT WITH US


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

1 of

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+
hallway with light at end of tunnel

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

abstract white building interior

Tips for Updating Your Compliance Program: Form CRS

We’ve compiled a series of tips to help you focus on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) focus areas for 2023.

Article
  • Compliance
  • SEC
abstract black and white looking up at building

A Primer in Launching an ETF Under a Turn-Key Structure

Looking to launch an ETF? We share what you need to know to get started including costs, timing, and resources required.

Article
  • Compliance
  • Distribution
abstract interior

Tips for Updating Your Compliance Program: Fiduciary Standard

The SEC put out a Bulletin “to help insure investment professionals live up to” their obligations under Regulation BI and the Commission Interpretation Regarding Standard of Conduct for Investment Advisers (the “Fiduciary Interpretation”). We share tips for meeting these standards.

Article
  • Compliance
  • SEC
Curved office building

2023 Investment Management Compliance Testing Survey is Now Open

The survey, now in its 18th year, gathers anonymous information from U.S. investment advisers of all types and sizes for the purpose of reporting on industry trends.

Survey
  • Compliance
Tall Building with Blue Sky

Tip for Updating Your Compliance Program: Conflicts of Interest

The SEC makes it clear that all broker-dealers and investment advisers have conflicts of interest, and that firms must have a process to identify, mitigate, or eliminate these conflicts.

Article
  • Compliance
top down roads

The FCA’s 2023/24 Business Plan: Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One Before…

The FCA released their 2023/24 Business Plan on 5 April 2023 detailing the actions the UK regulator aims to take over the next 12 months.

Compliance Alert
  • FCA
  • 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

Wealth Management EDGE

Join the ACA Wealth and ACA Foreside teams in Hollywood, FL at the Wealth Management EDGE Conference.

Conference

2024 FINRA Annual Conference

Meet-up with ACA's team at the FINRA Annual Conference, FINRA’s premier event which provides the opportunity for practitioners, peers and regulators to exchange ideas on today’s most timely compliance and regulatory topics.

Conference