03 / Advisory
RIA Compliance Services
Full-service compliance solutions for Registered Investment Advisors, from initial registration through ongoing regulatory support and exam preparation.
Registration and Form ADV Management
ARS handles your initial SEC or state registration and manages your ongoing filing obligations. We prepare and file Form ADV Part 1, Part 2A (the Brochure), and Part 2B (the Brochure Supplement), and we manage your annual updating amendment through the IARD system. When your firm's business changes, we file interim amendments to keep your filings current and accurate.
Compliance Manual and Code of Ethics
We develop compliance manuals tailored to your firm's business model, investment strategies, and client base. Your manual is not a generic template; it reflects how your firm operates and the specific regulations that apply to you. We also draft your Code of Ethics, manage annual employee certifications, and update both documents as regulations evolve.
Annual Compliance Review (Rule 206(4)-7)
SEC Rule 206(4)-7 requires every registered investment adviser to review the adequacy and effectiveness of its compliance policies and procedures at least annually. ARS conducts this review and prepares a written report documenting our findings, testing results, and recommendations. This report serves as your firm's primary evidence of compliance program oversight.
Marketing Rule Compliance
The SEC's amended Marketing Rule (Rule 206(4)-1) introduced new requirements around testimonials, endorsements, third-party ratings, and performance advertising. ARS reviews your marketing materials, social media presence, and client communications to ensure compliance. We help you build processes that allow your firm to market effectively while staying within regulatory boundaries.
Regulation S-P and Cybersecurity
The SEC's amended Regulation S-P requires written policies for safeguarding customer records and information, including incident response procedures and notification requirements. ARS develops your privacy and cybersecurity policies, conducts risk assessments, and helps your firm implement the controls needed to meet current SEC expectations.
Books, Records, and Ongoing Monitoring
We help your firm maintain compliance with SEC Rule 204-2 (the books and records rule) and monitor for regulatory changes that affect your obligations. Services include personal trading and employee transaction monitoring, vendor due diligence and oversight programs, client fee and billing reviews, proxy voting policy development, and complaint handling procedures.
Exam Preparation and Mock Examinations
ARS prepares your firm for SEC and state examinations through document review, gap analysis, and mock exams. We review your compliance manual, Form ADV, advertising materials, books and records, and Code of Ethics to identify and address weaknesses before examiners arrive. During the exam, we help manage document production and coordinate your firm's responses.
Training and Regulatory Change Management
We provide annual compliance training for your investment adviser representatives and staff, covering current regulatory requirements, recent enforcement actions, and best practices. We also monitor for regulatory changes throughout the year and implement updates to your compliance program as needed.
Business Continuity and Additional Services
ARS also helps RIAs develop business continuity and disaster recovery plans, anti-money laundering (AML) program support, and advertising and marketing material review processes. Our approach is to build a compliance program that covers the full scope of your regulatory obligations, not just the items that examiners ask about most frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What outsourced compliance services does ARS provide for RIAs?
ARS offers full-service compliance support for Registered Investment Advisors, including Form ADV preparation and annual amendments, compliance manual development and updates, Code of Ethics drafting and certification, annual compliance reviews under SEC Rule 206(4)-7, Marketing Rule guidance, Regulation S-P implementation, cybersecurity policy development, employee transaction monitoring, and regulatory exam preparation and support.
Does outsourcing RIA compliance reduce our regulatory obligations?
No. Your firm remains responsible for meeting all SEC or state regulatory requirements. Outsourcing provides your team with specialists who handle the day-to-day compliance work, monitor for regulatory changes, and ensure your program stays current. It reduces the need for additional compliance headcount and gives you access to professionals who see how regulations are applied across hundreds of firms.
How does ARS help RIAs prepare for SEC examinations?
ARS conducts mock examinations and gap analyses to identify weaknesses before the SEC arrives. We review your compliance manual, Form ADV, books and records, advertising materials, and Code of Ethics to ensure everything is examination-ready. During the exam itself, we help manage document requests and coordinate your firm's responses.
What is the SEC Marketing Rule and how does ARS help with compliance?
The SEC's amended Marketing Rule (Rule 206(4)-1) governs how RIAs can use testimonials, endorsements, third-party ratings, and performance advertising. Many firms are still falling into common traps around proper disclosures and documentation. ARS reviews your marketing materials, helps you establish compliant processes, and provides ongoing guidance as the SEC continues to issue enforcement actions in this area.
Does ARS help with Regulation S-P compliance for RIAs?
Yes. The SEC's amended Regulation S-P requires RIAs to implement and maintain written policies for safeguarding customer information, including incident response procedures. ARS helps your firm develop these policies, conduct risk assessments, and build the documentation needed to demonstrate compliance.
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