Top 5 Providers of Outsourced CCO Services: How to Choose the Best One

When you need strong compliance oversight but don’t want to hire a full-time Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), shopping around for firms that perform outsourced CCO services is ideal. Below are five top providers, followed by criteria you should use to evaluate them and tips on choosing the best fit for your organisation.

1. Vigilant Compliance

Vigilant Compliance is a premier outsourced CCO provider with over two decades of experience and oversight of $5 trillion in assets. Backed by over 500 years of collective expertise, they deliver full-spectrum compliance solutions for RIAs and broker-dealers, including regulatory exam support, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration and filings, mock examinations and marketing reviews. Their Financial Industry Regulatory Authority-registered (FINRA) broker-dealer arm supports fund distribution and institutional transactions. Vigilant’s customised, cost-efficient approach helps firms manage risk, streamline operations and maintain strong regulatory compliance while enabling internal teams to focus on growth.

2. Adviser Compliance Consulting

Adviser Compliance Consulting (ACC) is a leading compliance consultancy delivering outsourced CCO and deputy CCO services to investment advisers, hedge funds, private equity and global asset managers. With over 200 years of combined industry expertise, ACC offers comprehensive support, from compliance program development and mock SEC exams to National Futures Association (NFA) / Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) compliance management. Recognised with multiple industry awards, including Fund Intelligence and HFM U.S. Services honors, ACC is trusted for its proactive solutions that help firms navigate complex regulations while maintaining operational efficiency and strong governance.

3. Investment Adviser Compliance Consultants

Investment Adviser Compliance Consultants (IACC) is a boutique firm founded in 2019 that specialises exclusively in SEC-registered investment adviser compliance. Led by founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Giselle Casella — an industry veteran with over 20 years of regulatory experience — IACC delivers outsourced CCO solutions and tailored compliance programs for RIAs, private fund advisers and money managers. Their personalised, ethics-driven approach includes filings, policy creation, risk assessments, marketing reviews, training and SEC exam management, providing cost-effective, attentive service that helps investment firms confidently navigate complex regulatory demands.

4. ACA Group

ACA Group is a global leader in outsourced CCO solutions, blending over two decades of regulatory expertise with advanced technology and managed services. Founded by former regulators, ACA supports SEC-registered advisers, private funds, broker-dealers and financial institutions with scalable compliance programs tailored to evolving requirements. Backed by more than 1,400 professionals in 60 countries and insights from over 6,000 clients, ACA strengthens compliance frameworks, manages filings and examinations, and embeds institutional-grade practices — allowing firms to reduce risk, demonstrate credibility to regulators and investors, and focus on growth.

5. Compliance Exchange Group

Compliance Exchange Group (CXG) delivers comprehensive outsourced CCO services for investment advisers and broker-dealers, offering tailored compliance programs that address SEC, FINRA and CFTC requirements. Their team of seasoned professionals — including former CEOs, chief financial officers (CFOs) and licensed principals — brings deep operational and regulatory expertise. CXG supports everything from policy development and filings to mock exams, risk assessments and ongoing compliance education. Their full-service approach helps firms manage complex regulations cost-effectively, making them a trusted partner for startups seeking FINRA approval and growing financial organisations requiring robust compliance oversight.

Evaluation Criteria for the Best Outsourced CCO Providers

When choosing and ranking outsourced CCO providers, focus on these key factors:

• Regulatory expertise and track record: Look for firms with extensive experience in your industry and a proven history of handling regulatory requirements such as SEC rules, FINRA oversight or state-level compliance.
• Breadth and depth of service: Choose a provider that does more than simply assign a CCO. The strongest firms manage annual reviews, draft policies, review marketing materials, perform risk assessments, maintain compliance calendars and handle filings to minimise compliance gaps.
• Scalability and flexibility: Your compliance needs will evolve as your organisation grows. Ensure the provider can adjust service levels, offer interim or co-sourced solutions, and integrate smoothly with your internal teams.
• Cost versus value: Outsourcing should save you money compared to hiring a full-time CCO while providing strong oversight. Weigh the cost against the potential benefits, such as fewer regulatory risks and improved operational efficiency.
• Responsiveness and communication: Compliance issues can arise quickly. Evaluate how promptly the provider responds to your inquiries or regulatory changes, and ensure they provide clear, consistent communication and reporting.
• Reputation and references: Check references and industry feedback to confirm the provider’s credibility. A trustworthy firm will have a strong reputation, current best practices and a clean regulatory history.

How to Choose Between Them: Decision Tips for Your Organisation

Before you choose a provider, run through the practical steps below:

• Map your current compliance needs and gaps: Identify what your firm handles internally versus areas of risk or weakness. Match these to each provider’s services.
• Estimate your cost budget: Request quotes and compare them to in-house hiring costs to understand trade-offs.
• Evaluate providers’ experience with firms like yours: Check if they’ve successfully supported similar clients and their regulatory outcomes.
• Look for alignment on culture, communication and contract terms: Ensure transparency, turnaround expectations, and flexibility fit your working style.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Compliance Needs

If you’re evaluating providers of outsourced CCO services, you may still wonder who performs outsourced CCO services most effectively. The best partners offer high regulatory expertise, cover the full spectrum of your compliance needs, scale with your growth, and provide value for cost while being responsive and reputable. Using the evaluation framework above, you can confidently select a provider that safeguards your organisation’s compliance posture and supports your long-term growth.