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.

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, 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

SEC’s Examination Division Shares Observations Relating to Common Deficiencies Uncovered in Private Fund Manager Examinations

On January 27, 2022, the SEC’s Division of Examinations (EXAMS) shared observations relating to common deficiencies uncovered in the examination of private fund advisers over a five-year period. These observations are a sequel to, and supplement, the observations EXAMS shared in their June 2020 risk alert. In our in-depth analysis, we cover what firms need to know about this risk alert.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
Architectural image - office windows

Transaction Reporting Errors Expose Huge Gaps for Market Abuse and Systemic Risk Monitoring

ACA Group research has detected more than 6 million transaction reporting errors across a sample of 30 review projects, averaging 200,000 errors per review, with 97% of reports under MiFIR/EMIR contain inaccuracies. These errors expose huge gaps for market abuse and systemic risk monitoring.

Press Release
  • Compliance
  • Trade & Transaction
  • ACA News
  • FCA
ACA

Hedge Fund Quarterly Update 2021 Q4

Learn more about recent regulatory developments industry insights in our Hedge Fund Quarterly Newsletter.

Newsletter
  • Compliance
  • SEC
Compliance Alert

SEC Proposes Amendments to Private Fund Reporting

On January 26, 2022, the SEC voted to propose amendments to Form PF. The Proposed Rule is designed to enhance the data aggregated through private fund reporting. In our most recent blog, we break down the potential impacts of the proposal and what your firm needs to know.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
ACA

Urgent Action Required: ESMA Clarifies Reporting of Short Positions Above New 0.1% Threshold

Ahead of the impending change to the European short selling reporting threshold from 0.2% to 0.1% on the 31 January 2022, ESMA has reminded firms on reporting positions of more than 0.1% held over the transition period. Learn more about the changes:

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
highway at night from overhead

2022 Broker-Dealer Regulatory Filings Calendar

We've put together a printable calendar with key FINRA regulatory filing deadlines in addition to national holidays at a glance.

Article
  • Compliance

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