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. 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

1 of

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+
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

cyber outage

SEC Proposes Rule to Limit Conflicts of Interest in AI-Based Investor Engagement Tools

The SEC proposed two new rules to put guardrails around the use of predictive data analytics by broker-dealers and investment advisers. The goal is to limit the use of technology in ways that favor financial firms’ interests.

Cyber Alert
  • Compliance
  • Cybersecurity
  • Privacy
Will SM&CR Pass its own fit and proper test

MiFID Research Bundling: Will the Expired Relief for U.S. Broker-Dealers be Reinstated?

MiFID II reformed research payment practices in Europe, but the expiration of relief from the SEC has prompted a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to extend it for six months, aligning with potential changes in the regulations by the UK and EU.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • SEC
  • Broker-Dealer
ARRMA Case Study Three

Industry Insights: Mansion House Speech Highlights Potential for the UK Markets

Will the UK Chancellor’s new packages of pension reforms boost the UK markets and open up new opportunities for investment into UK Growth Companies?

Article
  • Compliance
  • FCA
Curved office building

SEC Marketing Rule Continues to Dominate Investment Advisers' Compliance Concerns, Survey Reveals

The 2023 Investment Management Compliance Testing Survey results reveal marketing is still the top compliance concern. Cybersecurity and electronic communications follow closely behind.

Press Release
  • ACA News
  • Compliance
Fee Calculations_Performance

Navigating SEC Scrutiny: Enhancing The Accuracy of Fee Calculations for Private Funds

In an environment of intense regulatory scrutiny, the SEC is putting private fund managers under the microscope, focusing on fees charged to investors. In our recent article we break down the challenges and obstacles firms face as a result of these complex fees both in terms of calculations and the descriptions in the fund's governing documents.

Article
  • Performance
  • SEC
  • Compliance
highway at night from overhead

Regulation Best Interest Assessment and the Next Frontier

Now that Reg BI has been in place for almost three years, the industry has received a few waves of feedback from the regulators through enforcement actions, arbitrations and additional guidance. We break them down in this article.

Article
  • Compliance
  • SEC

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.

Conference