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. We can also help you get authorized with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) in the DIFC and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (“FSRA”) in the ADGM

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.

We guide firms through the DFSA and FSRA authorization process, ensuring a seamless experience and alignment with regulatory expectations.

Once registered, we provide continued support to help maintain compliance, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and ensure your business operates with confidence in the UAE’s financial hubs.

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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FCA Reminds Firms of their New Conduct Rules Reporting Obligations under SM&CR

The FCA recently added a webpage reminding solo-regulated firms of their obligation to report breaches of its conduct rules (and ensuing disciplinary action) as required under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR).

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
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Public, Private or ‘Private Private’: Do you have the right information barriers?

Throughout the lockdown, the FCA and SEC have voiced thier expectation that private information is handled appropriately and that firms maintain adequate and appropriate information barriers. Firms should revisit what is considered “private” information and how that can get a little grey and nuanced in the private markets sector.

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

New Guidance for Characterizing Certain Broker-Dealers Under the SEC’s Customer Protection Rule

The SEC and FINRA issued updated guidance on the characterization of U.S. broker-dealers under the Customer Protection Rule. This new guidance states that Non-Covered Firms that solely engage in Non-Covered Firm activities are no longer subject to any Rule 15c3-3 requirements.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
Compliance Alert

SEC OCIE Issues Risk Alert on COVID-19-Related Compliance Risks and Issues

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) has issued a risk alert on the COVID-19-related risks, issues, and challenges faced by SEC-registered investment advisers and broker-dealers, including those resulting from the widespread use of telecommuting practices and pandemic-related market volatility.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
  • BCP
  • COVID-19
curved glass building looking up at a blue sky

FINRA Guidance for Retail Communications Concerning Private Placement Offerings

FINRA issued Regulatory Notice 20-21 on July 1, 2020 providing guidance for complying with FINRA Rule 2210 “when creating, reviewing, approving, distributing, or using” retail communications concerning private placement offerings.

Compliance Alert
  • Compliance
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2020 Investment Management Compliance Testing Survey Results: BCP Related to COVID-19 Now Top Compliance Concern

From April 20 – May 31, ACA Compliance Group, Investment Adviser Association, and BrightSphere Investment Group ran the 15th annual Investment Management Compliance Testing Survey.

Survey
  • Compliance
  • BCP
  • COVID-19

News

ACA Group Acquires Global Trading Analytics to Offer Clients Leading Transaction Cost Analysis Capabilities

ACA Group Acquires Global Trading Analytics to Offer Clients Leading Transaction Cost Analysis Capabilities

Five ACA Group Leaders Recognized Among the 2&20 Top 100 Most Influential People in the Service Provision for Alternative Investment Firms

Five ACA Group Leaders Recognized Among the 2&20 Top 100 Most Influential People in the Service Provision for Alternative Investment Firms

ACA Group Recognized as RegTech100 Company for Fifth Consecutive Year

ACA Group Recognized as RegTech100 Company for Fifth Consecutive Year

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