Registration, Authorization, and Initial Filing Services

Connect with our team to learn more
  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.

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 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

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

curved glass building looking up at a blue sky

FINRA Reminder to Supervise for Digital Signature Falsification

FINRA recently issued a regulatory notice to remind firms to monitor digital signatures to prevent or detect forgery or falsification activities.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
highway at night from overhead

New Marketing Rule Performance Net Return Calculation Methodologies

Learn how private fund managers can calculate extracted and hypothetical performance to the relevant portfolio, and identify and model its net performance in line with the SEC's new Marketing Rule.

Article
  • Compliance
  • SEC
  • SEC Marketing Rule
Architectural image

SEC Unauthorized Electronic Communications Sweep Key Takeaways

The SEC has become increasingly concerned with the risks arising from employees’ increasingly wide-spread use of mobile electronic communications apps to conduct business. Learn about the risks and how private fund managers can more effectively track, archive, and surveil their employees’ business-related communications across all communication channels being utilized.

Article
  • Compliance
  • SEC
  • RegTech
  • ComplianceAlpha
ACA

The SEC’s New Marketing Rule: All Change Please

Coming into force on 4 November 2022, the SEC's new marketing rules introduce ssubstantial changes for all registered firms, wherever they are in the world. We outline why its key that firms familiarise themselves with the requirements now and take steps today to begin to implement these new compliance obligations, as several pieces of the work will take time and require resources

Article
  • SEC Marketing Rule
  • Compliance
  • SEC
Light through blocks

Emerging Threats in the Cyber Landscape

Financial firms have good reason to be worried about cyber risk. Attacks are on the rise, average costs of a breach are increasing, and regulators are responding by launching new measures for greater oversight. What are the emerging threats, and how should firms respond to this ever evolving landscape.

Article
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cybersecurity Resources
  • Compliance
geometric background

Common Deficiencies in Private Fund Manager Exams: What you need to know

The observations the SEC shared earlier this year about common deficiencies uncovered during exams hold important lessons not only for registered private funds, but for other types of funds subject to SEC oversight as well. We outline the key takeaways.

Article
  • SEC
  • Compliance
More Insights

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

More News

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
More Events