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.

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, 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

December

U.S. Regulatory Update – December 2022 Edition

This issue covers the SEC Division of Enforcement’s 2022 annual report, FINRA’s recent sweep of crypto-related communications, recently adopted mutual fund rules, and compliance concerns for real estate fund managers when interest rates rise.

Article
  • Compliance
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FCA Fines Broking Firm and Bans Former Directors Over Reporting Failures

A global brokerage firm has been hit with a £531,000 FCA fine for failing to make reports crucial in fighting potential market abuse. Its board members were also fined and banned from management positions in FCA regulated firms. We assess how and why this happened and provide practical guidance to avoid similar enforcements.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • Trade & Transaction
  • FCA
  • ComplianceAlpha
  • Trade Surveillance
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EXAMS Risk Alert Warns Advisers and Broker-Dealers to Beef Up Identify-Theft Practices

EXAMS issued its sixth Risk Alert to let advisers and broker-dealers know how firms are failing to meet their obligations under Regulation S-ID, the “Identity Theft Red Flag Rule."

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • SEC
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The Compliance Talent Supply and Demand Challenge

Compliance teams are increasingly challenged to keep regulatory pace and best practices while managing with fewer internal resources, demand for increased efficiency, and budget constraints. This leaves firms in danger of creating risky exposure gaps in their compliance program. Learn more about practical ways to address these challenges.

Article
  • Compliance
  • Managed Services
  • FCA
  • SEC
  • ComplianceAlpha
  • RegTech
top down roads

SEC Strategic Plan: More Enforcement, More Rules, and More Technology

The SEC issued its four-year strategic plan for 2022-2026. We summarize the goals of the plan and explore what it means for the next four years.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • SEC
  • Cybersecurity
  • ESG
  • RegTech
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Warning! Could a Political and Economic Omnishambles be Brewing for the Private Markets?

With an economic storm stemming largely from political ideology, we examine what impact this geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty has on the private markets.

Article
  • Compliance
  • FCA
  • SEC
  • Managed Services

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

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