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

abstract black and white looking up at building

ACA Group and the Investment Adviser Association Announce Strategic Partnership

ACA Group (ACA), a leading provider of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) advisory services and technology solutions, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with the Investment Adviser Association (IAA), a leading organization dedicated to advancing the interests of investment advisers.

Press Release
  • Compliance
forest of trees from above

ACA’s Inaugural Compliance Technology Benchmarking Survey is Now Open

This survey, sponsored by ACA’s Compliance Leaders Network (C-LEAD), will assess how compliance executives are using traditional and emerging compliance technology to better identify risk and create efficiencies within the compliance program. The results of this survey will provide participants with a deeper understanding of how their peers are maximizing the value of their technology spend.

Survey
  • Compliance
ESG trees 1200x900.jpeg

FCA Provides AFMs Guidance and Warning on Authorised ESG and Sustainable Investment Funds

The FCA's recently issued a warning to AFMs firms to improve the quality and clarity of ESG/sustainable investment fund applications, providing guiding principles help funds comply with existing requirements. We outline what this means for firms.

Compliance Alert
  • ESG
  • Compliance
forest of trees from above

2021 Compliance Testing Survey: New SEC Marketing Rule Now Top Compliance Concern

Implementing the SEC’s new Marketing Rule for Investment Advisers is the number one worry for investment adviser compliance officers, according to the 2021 Investment Adviser Compliance Testing Survey. Advisory firms have until November 4, 2022 to come into full compliance with the rule.

Survey
  • Compliance
  • SEC Marketing Rule
2021 Spring Virtual Conference

ACA’s Spring 2021 Virtual Conference: Key Takeaways and Trends

ACA’s Spring 2021 Virtual Conference was an opportunity for the regulatory compliance, performance, and cybersecurity community to come together and discuss the many changes of the past year and what the future of GRC looks like moving forward.

Article
  • Compliance
  • ComplianceAlpha
  • ESG
  • GIPS Standards
  • RegTech
  • Cybersecurity
  • Performance
  • Privacy
abstract blue shapes connected by dots of light

SEC Sanctions Registered Investment Advisers and Broker-Dealers for Cybersecurity Failures

The SEC announced that it sanctioned eight firms for failure to establish and implement cybersecurity policies and procedures. These failures resulted in multiple instances of criminal email account takeovers causing personally identifiable information from thousands of customers and clients to be exposed.

Cyber Alert
  • Cybersecurity
  • 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