Registration, Authorization, and Initial Filing Services

  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 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, we've 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

Symmetrical structures

The New TPF Regime: Treating Politicians Fairly?

The FCA has asked politically exposed persons to share their experiences with regulated firms as part of the regulator's review of firms’ treatment of PEPs.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • AML and Financial Crime
curved glass building looking up at a blue sky

SEC Adopts Private Fund Adviser Rules – What Firms Should Know

The SEC’s recent vote to adopt the Private Fund Adviser Rule (IA-5955) presents some of the most significant private funds regulatory reform since the Dodd Frank Act. Read our summary of the Final Rules and our guidance for firms.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • SEC
  • Private Fund
digital_graphs_with_bars_and_dots.jpg

White Paper: Unveiling Industry Perspectives on the SEC’s Proposed Cyber Rule 206(4)-9

The public has weighed in on the SEC's proposed Rule 206(4)-9, which sets cybersecurity risk management expectations for investment firms. In this guide, we discuss the industry's reaction, exploring the main areas of concern for the Rule.

Report
  • Cybersecurity
  • Compliance
  • SEC
curved glass building looking up at a blue sky

Regulatory Enforcement of Off-Channel Communications

The U.S. SEC has charged 11 financial firms for failing to maintain electronic communications, imposing penalties of over $289 million. This is part of a broader crackdown, with previous cases involving similar charges and penalties exceeding $1.5 billion, raising industry concerns about proper recordkeeping.

Compliance Alert
  • SEC
  • Compliance
  • RegTech
black and white buildings from below

FCA Publishes Market Watch 74

The UK FCA's Market Watch 74 focuses on transaction reporting issues, highlighting improvements but persistent data quality problems. It covers MDP usage, E&O submissions, validation rules, decision maker identification, and more.

Compliance Alert
  • FCA
  • Compliance
architecture

General Solicitation Under Regulation D – Recent Trends and Enforcement Activity

There has been a rise in 506(c) general solicitation offerings due to factors such as shifts in SEC's attitude and increased enforcement of 506(b) rules.

Article
  • SEC
  • Compliance
More Insights

News

Cybersecurity Benchmarking Survey Lists Top Concerns and Preparedness Among Respondents

Our annual survey in partnership with NSCP reveals that investment firms overlook AI as a cybersecurity risk and remain wary about SEC cybersecurity enforcement and compliance with new rules

ACA Group Launches Dedicated Practice Group Providing GRC Solutions for Wealth Managers

ACA Wealth sets a new standard in GRC support for wealth managers, providing unmatched expertise and comprehensive solutions to address evolving regulatory requirements.

ACA's Celebration of Women's Impact from History to Herstory

ACA proudly joins the global celebration of International Women's History Month, commemorating the remarkable achievements and enduring legacies of women worldwide.

More News

Upcoming events

More Events