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

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What Investment Advisers Need to Know about the SEC's Recent Insider Trading Case Focused on "Shadow Trading"

The SEC recently charged a former employee of a biopharmaceutical company with "shadow trading", a form of insider trading. Learn more about this case, compliance implications, and our advice on what advisers can do to protect themselves.

Compliance Alert
  • ComplianceAlpha
  • Compliance
  • Trade Surveillance
  • RegTech
Roads and roundabouts

August 2021 Broker-Dealer Newsletter

In our latest newsletter, we highlight important regulatory information for broker-dealers that occurred during Q1 and Q2.

Article
  • Compliance
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ACA Group Continues to Enhance Compliance Team with New Hires: Former CCOs, Examiners, and General Counsels

ACA has recently welcomed several new members to our investment adviser practice, all of whom bring years of experience and skills to the team. These additions help us accommodate the developing regulatory landscape and meet our client’s specific needs.

Press Release
  • Compliance
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Compliance Annual Testing Mandate: Tactics and Considerations

As we look toward a new year, it is important to start developing a testing plan that fits the specific needs of your firm. Given the unpredictability of 2020 and 2021, deciding your compliance testing schedule for 2022 requires exceptional preparedness.

Article
  • Compliance
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Preparing for 2022: Compliance Budget Considerations, Priorities, and Helpful Tips

As we enter the second half of 2021, it’s time to start preparing for 2022 and establishing a compliance budget for the upcoming year. To help firms planning for their 2022 fiscal year budget, or those adjusting spend to tackle new initiatives, get started, we have gathered from compliance professionals tips that will explain the foundational needs of a compliance budget, how that looks in action, and how to prepare for the unexpected.

Article
  • Compliance
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FCA Publishes Consultation on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure

Ahead of COP26 in November 2021, the FCA has published consultation paper (CP 21/17) on the implementation of mandatory TCFD disclosures. For many firms, data gathering requirements start from 1 January. We outline the considerations for firms in scope.

Compliance Alert
  • ESG
  • Compliance
  • FCA

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