Registration, Authorization, and Initial Filing Services

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  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.

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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.

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

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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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SEC Guidance for Paycheck Protection Program Related Considerations

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently issued guidance to financial institutions regarding some of the disclosure requirements and other obligations related to the Paycheck Protection Program and the impact of COVID-19.

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FCA Market Watch 63 Reminds Firms of Market Abuse and Reporting Requirements During the COVID-19 Crisis

The FCA’s recently published Market Watch 63 reminds firms that they must continue to comply with their obligations around market conduct and reporting during the COVID-19 crisis. It highlights some changes to market activities and alternative working arrangements which represent a higher risk. We examine how firms should respond to the regulator's concerns.

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Whistleblowing and Why it Matters During Lockdown

Whistleblowing is seeing the highest level of activity since 2015, with employees ready to take their concerns straight to the competent authorities if not satisfied by internal remediation. We examine the importance of whistleblowing in a robust compliance framework and why it matters during lockdown

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2020 Liquidity Risk Management Program Rule Survey

By participating in this survey, you can help us identify trends in how firms are complying with the rule and accounting for market closures and market volatility. Results will be presented later this summer so you can implement some of the most common practices at your firm.

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The Regulatory Initiatives Grid and Implementing Regulatory Change in the UK

The Financial Services Regulatory Initiatives Forum (‘FSRIF’ or the ‘Forum’) recently published its Regulatory Initiatives Grid to help the financial services industry understand, and plan for regulatory change as a result of COVID-19. We examine the impact and areas of focus.

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SEC Examination Requests Related to COVID-19 Business Continuity and Operational Resilience

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) announced in March that it intends to engage in an ongoing outreach with registrants to assess the impacts of COVID-19, including challenges impacting operational resiliency. In the last few weeks, ACA has seen an increase in the number of examinations announced by the SEC examination staff.

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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

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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.

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