RIA and IAR Compliance and Reporting Counsel

Business professional reviewing compliance documents and financial reports during an RIA compliance meeting in a modern office

In today’s SEC and state regulated environment, compliant advisers do not improvise. Whether you manage a startup RIA or a multi-office firm, staying current with Form ADV updates, Form CRS, the Marketing Rule, books and records, and exam readiness is critical.

At Kamps Legal, we design, build, and maintain practical compliance programs that meet evolving regulatory demands. From initial registrations to ongoing filings and exam response, we deliver regulator-ready guidance that protects your firm’s reputation and reduces risk.

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Advisers reviewing compliance documents and charts during a policy and filings discussion in a modern office.

What Is RIA and IAR Compliance?

Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) and Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs) are regulated primarily by the SEC or state securities regulators. Compliance means designing and maintaining a supervisory framework that meets core rules, documents conflicts clearly, and produces timely, accurate filings.

  • Registration and amendments for firms and personnel.

  • Form ADV Parts 1 and 2, Form CRS and delivery tracking.

  • Code of Ethics and personal trading oversight.

  • The Marketing Rule, testimonials, endorsements and performance advertising review.

  • Books and Records Rule retention and retrieval.

  • Custody and safeguarding assessments.

  • Annual compliance review and risk assessment.

  • Ongoing testing, surveillance and email review.

  • Disciplinary reporting on Form U4 and Form U5.

  • Written policies, supervisory procedures and training.

If your advisory business markets to clients, provides discretionary management, or pays for referrals, these obligations likely apply. Effective compliance reduces exam findings, accelerates remediation, and protects the firm, its leadership, and clients.

Our RIA and IAR Compliance Services

Kamps Legal delivers end to end counsel for investment advisers and adviser representatives, from initial registrations and policy design to ongoing filings, marketing reviews, audits, and exam response.

  • SEC or state registration for new RIAs, IAR onboarding, Form ADV, Form CRS, policies, and required notices, with regulator-ready submissions and timeline management.

  • Design tailored policies, supervisory procedures, code of ethics, surveillance workflows, and testing calendars aligned to your business model and current regulatory expectations.

  • Prepare and file Form ADV updates, Form CRS deliveries, U4 and U5 changes, annual reviews, notices, and state renewals with evidence tracking.

  • Review websites, pitch books, social media, performance presentations, testimonials, endorsements, and solicitation arrangements for Marketing Rule compliance.

  • Conduct periodic audits, books and records reviews, trade testing, email supervision checks, and enterprise risk assessments with prioritized remediation plans.

  • Guide exam responses, deficiency letter remediation, Wells submissions, settlement strategy, and privileged internal reviews when potential violations arise.

  • Deliver practical training for advisers, supervisors, and operations teams on key rules, conflicts, code of ethics, and written supervisory procedures.

We advise a wide range of investment advisory businesses and leadership teams across the U.S., from emerging firms to multi-office practices. Our guidance is practical, regulator-ready, and tailored to how you operate.

  • Registered Investment Advisers.

  • Investment Adviser Representatives and supervisors.

  • Hybrid and dual registrants.

  • Private fund managers and subadvisers.

  • Wealth managers and family offices.

  • Fintech and robo advisers.

  • Outsourced CIO and model portfolio providers.

  • In-house legal, compliance, and operations teams.

No matter your role, we provide clear, practical guidance that aligns strategy, disclosure, and timelines to get your deal closed.

Who We Serve

Advisory team of diverse professionals collaborating in a modern office while discussing client and compliance needs.

Common RIA and IAR Compliance Risks We Help Prevent

Risk Area

  • Inadequate written policies and supervisory procedures.

  • Inaccurate or incomplete Form ADV and Form CRS.

  • Marketing Rule violations in websites, decks, and social media.

  • Books and Records gaps and retention failures.

  • Supervision breakdowns and personal trading conflicts.

  • Custody missteps and fee billing errors.

  • Late U4 or U5 reporting of disciplinary events.

How We Help

  • We design and update compliance manuals and WSPs tailored to your firm.

  • We prepare, file, and track timely ADV and CRS updates.

  • We review and clear marketing content for Marketing Rule compliance.

  • We audit records and implement defensible retention practices.

  • We build surveillance for trade reviews, gifts, and code of ethics.

  • We assess custody status and tighten fee billing and reconciliation controls.

  • We manage regulatory calendars, exam readiness, and response drafting.

Attorney and client reviewing compliance strategy and documenting action items during a focused office meeting.

Why Choose Kamps Legal?

  • SEC and State Focus. We track rule changes, exam priorities, and enforcement so your program stays current.

  • RIA and IAR Expertise. Deep experience with ADV, CRS, Marketing Rule, custody, and books and records.

  • Practical, business minded advice. We do not just spot issues. We design solutions that work operationally.

  • Partner attention. Work directly with an attorney who understands your firm and answers quickly.

  • Flexible engagements. Flat fee reviews, ongoing counsel, and project based support that fits your budget.

  • Clear deliverables. Written policies, checklists, calendars, and training you can implement immediately.

 FAQs

  • RIAs with AUM above the SEC threshold register with the SEC. Smaller firms register with states. States also regulate IARs. Oversight drives filings, exams, and notices. We determine your registration path and maintain both obligations.

  • Exams arise from routine cycles, tips, complaints, new registrations, rapid growth, product complexity, prior deficiencies, or analytics flags. Preparation includes document readiness, mock interviews, and response plans.

  • Yes. We build and maintain your program, review marketing, file ADV and CRS, manage calendars, and assist during exams. Your firm retains responsibility for supervision and final sign off.

  • At least annually, and promptly after material changes in business, ownership, services, fees, affiliates, vendors, or technology. Update related procedures, disclosures, and training.

  • Testimonials and endorsements are permitted with clear disclosures, oversight, and records. Performance advertising requires substantiation and defined presentation standards. We review websites, decks, and social media for compliance.

  • File annual ADV amendments within 90 days of fiscal year end. Update promptly for material changes. Deliver Form CRS initially and with updates to new and existing clients as required.

Let’s Talk Compliance

If your firm needs help with RIA or IAR registration, Marketing Rule reviews, ongoing filings, or exam readiness, Kamps Legal is ready to help. Speak with an attorney about a practical plan tailored to your business.

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