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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Five Key Takeaways from ACA’s Boston Hedge Fund Briefing

ACA’s Hedge Fund Practice hosted a breakfast event in Boston with local CCOs, with a fireside chat with senior staff from the Securities Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”) and Division of Enforcement. The SEC staff discussed priorities pursued by OCIE and Enforcement, the SEC’s use of data analytics, challenges related to deficiencies (or a lack there of) stemming from exams, and expectations around firm’s trade surveillance policies, procedures, and practices. Read our key takeaways.

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Returning from summer holidays – A prudential year-end “to do” list

Leaving annual review prudential regulatory preparations until December creates a last-minute crush of work, and may result in key areas being overlooked. We discuss the importance of reviewing and refreshing prudential programmes in a timely manner

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CSSF Brexit preparations: Action required for AIFMs, MiFID firms and UCITS firms

The Luxembourg regulator, (the CSSF) has outlined provisions to allow for contract continuity of existing relationships established and serviced via passporting rights under various EU directives for 12 months. Application deadline is 15 September 2019. What does this mean for financial services firms?

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Delivering on SM&CR – Do firms need to move faster?

Poll findings reveal that less than 2% of firms ready for the Senior Managers & Certification Regime, which comes into force in less than 100 days. It's clear that solo-regulated firms must accelerate the pace at which they are preparing for regulation ahead of 9 December implementation but is the work required ahead of the deadline being underestimated?

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When it Comes to Compliance, is Ignorance Bliss or a Potential Liability?

With a raft of regulatory changes coming into force over the last few years, financial firms have incurred many system, process, policy and procedure changes. Overseeing and managing all of the moving pieces presents a challenge for compliance teams. How can Senior Management and Compliance Officers be confident that their governance, risk, and compliance framework is current, sufficiently comprehensive and ultimately effective to avoid regulatory scrutiny?

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FCA Raises Further Concerns on Access to Inside Information

Following the conviction of a former compliance officer of a major investment bank, the FCA raises concerns on the control of access to inside information. We examine the regulator's findings and recommendations, and what this means for financial services firms.

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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.

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