FCA Authorisation & SEC Registration Support
Blueprint GRC simplifies the authorisation and registration processes. With extensive experience in managing Part IV applications and Form ADV filings, we offer expert support.
Blueprint GRC’s team shares a wealth of insight and expertise to ease the FCA Authorisation process. With a combined experience that includes tenure at the UK regulator within the FCA’s own Authorisation team, as well as project-management of hundreds of FCA Part IV licence applications, and more latterly running the Authorisation teams for various leading regulatory consultancies, our team is positioned to provide expert support to firms navigating the complex process of UK regulatory authorisation. Within the wider Blueprint GRC team that expertise extends to US SEC registration – Registered Investment Adviser (‘RIA’) or Exempt Reporting Adviser (‘RIA’).
Comprehensive UK FCA Application Support
Blueprint GRC assists with applications to the UK Financial Conduct Authority, under Part IV of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023. We ensure your application is complete, accurate, and aligned with regulatory expectations, thus avoiding processing delays and, ultimately, your time to market. Our services include:
Preparation
Guidance on compiling required documents and supporting evidence, ensuring that they are final, detailed and appropriately tailored to your specific strategy and circumstances.
Business Model Development
Tailored advice to articulate your firm’s specific activities and align them with the defined regulated activities and therefore the specific license sought.
Compliance Planning
Assistance with demonstrating readiness to meet on-going regulatory obligations, including on-going compliance arrangements, systems and controls, implementation of a risk-based monitoring programme and, a suite of policies and procedures which are tailored to your business, your team and your strategy.
FCA Application Drafting and Submission Management
We simplify the preparation and drafting process:
- Supporting you with registration on the FCA regulatory filing system, Connect.
- Provision of project milestones and a detailed timeline based on firm type.
- Drafting and advisory support to deliver a comprehensive regulatory business plan, financial forecasts and capital requirement analysis; all required regulatory forms and supporting material for your firm type, and any additional documentation the FCA are likely to ask for as part of their assessment; and,
- Where needed, support your firm with preparation for, and guidance during, any pre-application, in-person interview or meeting with the regulator – we advise on how likely or necessary this may be at on-boarding.
We simplify the submission process:
- Advising on the required materials to be submitted which deem the application complete and of a quality which passes triage and promotes swift conclusion.
- Supporting with the full file upload, payment and submission via the FCA Connect system.
- Proactive support and liaison with the appointed FCA case officer.
We simplify the FCA due diligence process:
The pivotal aspect of any application, Blueprint uses senior, seasoned compliance professionals to support you with the drafting of responses to FCA case officer queries. Built upon solid regulatory, legislative and strategy specific foundations, we are accountable for delivering:
- Proactive handling of queries and clarifications to avoid delays.
- Guidance on addressing alterations or adjustments required by the regulator.
- Proactive regulatory contact to support the firm in evidencing satisfaction of the five threshold conditions of authorisation and reaching the point where the FCA is “minded to grant” authorisation.
- Advice on satisfaction of the FCA’s final stipulations, known as the “subject to” conditions.
- Advice on final, “go live” dates. This can influence regulatory fees and mandate/fund launch timelines.
We provide post-submission guidance:
Upon successful authorisation:
- Your firm will be added to the public Financial Services Register, receiving a unique Firm Reference Number (FRN).
- We provide comprehensive regulatory resources and guidance for newly authorised firms, including full compliance framework build out, training, SM&CR, and the implementation of a practical and risk-weighted compliance monitoring programme.
Comprehensive US SEC Registration Support
The Blueprint GRC team has extensive experience with supporting managers through every stage of regulatory compliance; from project managing initial SEC registration and ongoing filings to detailed policy reviews, marketing and investment performance guidance, and examination preparation and support.
US SEC Filing Support
Blueprint GRC will assist with determining the correct SEC status; including whether a firm is able to rely on the private fund adviser exemption or Exempt Reporting Adviser (ERA) status, or whether full Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) status is required’. Once appropriate status has been discussed and is determined, Blueprint GRC ensures your Form ADV submission is complete, accurate, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Our services include:
Preparation
Guidance on compiling the ADV and supporting evidence, ensuring all documents are final, detailed and appropriately ratified.
Business Model Development
Tailored advice to articulate your firm’s specific structure and activities and align them with the appropriate registration status in the US.
Compliance Planning
Assistance in demonstrating readiness to meet on-going SEC obligations, including compliance code of ethics and the implementation of a risk-based monitoring programme and a suite of policies and procedures which are tailored to your business, your team and your strategy.
US SEC Application Drafting and Submission Process Management
We simplify the SEC registration and filing process:
- Advising on all required documentation to ensure your Form ADV submission is accurate, complete, and aligned with regulatory expectations, positioning your filing to move efficiently through screening.
- Providing hands-on support with preparing and reviewing Form ADV Part 1 and Part 2, guiding your team through the submission process via the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD) system.
- Ensuring your policies and procedures are prepared and ready to be implemented upon acceptance of Form ADV submission.
- Offering preparatory advice to RIAs for any communications you may receive from the SEC, including guidance on how to best respond and position your filing submission.
We support advisers to establish a Compliance Program
For RIAs, Rule 206(4)-7 of Advisers Act 1940 (the Compliance Program Rule) will become applicable upon SEC registration and requires advisers to:
- Adopt and implement written policies and procedures.
- Conduct an annual review of those policies, documenting the review in writing.
- Designate a Chief Compliance Officer.
For ERAs, a lesser expectation of SEC policies and procedures are required, including but not limited to controls around Insider Trading and protections surrounding material non-public information.
For both variants of registrants, Blueprint GRC will ensure that your policies and procedures are designed to address SEC expectations, rules and requirements. These updates will be tailored specifically to your business to establish an SEC-tailored compliance program.
We streamline the SEC registration or exemption process through:
- Assisting with access to the IARD system, including the preparation and submission of all required entitlement forms to obtain secure login credentials and access instructions from FINRA.
- Completing and filing Form ADV on behalf of your firm.
Form ADV:
- Part 1A: Provides information about your firm ownership, business practices and disciplinary history. Filed electronically to the SEC through IARD.
- Part 2A (Brochure): A written disclosure document outlining your services, fees, conflicts of interest, and other critical information for clients. This must also be filed electronically to the SEC through IARD. Only applicable for fully registered investment advisors (“RIA”)
- Part 2B (Brochure Supplement): A written brochure supplementing Part 2A which details information about supervised persons who provide advisory services to clients. This is not filed to the SEC. Only applicable for fully registered investment advisors (“RIA”)
ERA status will become effective as soon as the Form ADV filing is submitted to the SEC, meaning such firms can commence associated US activity upon submission
For RIAs, the SEC has 45 days to review your Form ADV submission, they may request additional information or corrections during this period. The SEC will notify RIAs once registration becomes active.
We provide post-submission guidance:
Upon successful submission and acceptance by the SEC:
- Your firm will be added to the IARD website and given a CRD Number and SEC Number.
- We provide comprehensive regulatory resources and guidance for newly registered firms, including full compliance framework build out, training, marketing review, and the implementation of a practical and risk weighted compliance program.
Key Features of the Blueprint GRC Approach to Authorisation and Registration
Avoiding Delays
Avoiding Delays - Ensuring all forms are comprehensively drafted, strategy specific and ratified by the governing body.
- Preparing robust financial information based on logical and justifiable assumptions.
- Reviewing financial disclosures, risk protocols, and operational readiness documentation for RIAs to support a well-rounded submission.
- Guidance on risk mitigation and technology/system readiness.
Clarity and Detail
Clarity and Detail - Developing a non-generic business outline for FCA edification, supported with detailed operational plans.
- Addressing pro actively unique scenarios, such as overseas controlled function holders, timing issues with staff non-compete obligations, regulatory referencing and overseas fund structures.
- Deciphering the ADV Glossary of Terms and SEC defined terms or FCA handbook.
Meeting Standards
Meeting Standards - Identifying and addressing potential conflicts of interest, governance risks, and compliance gaps.
- Encouraging a proactive and transparent approach to regulatory engagement, ensuring your team is prepared to handle enquiries confidently.
Why Choose Blueprint GRC for licensing or registration?
Blueprint GRC’s deep understanding of UK and US regulation ensures your firm is well-prepared, organised, and positioned to meet the FCA’s and/or the SEC’s authorisation and registration requirements with confidence. Whether you’re seeking to become authorised and regulated by the FCA or registering as a SEC Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) or filing as an Exempt Reporting Adviser (ERA), our strategic approach supports a smooth, efficient path to compliance and sets the foundation for long-term regulatory adherence.
