Corporate Transparency Act

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires certain entities (known as "Reporting Companies") to report Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to FinCEN, including details about individuals with significant control or ownership (25% or more) of the entity.

This affects most corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and partnerships formed or registered to do business in the US. The CTA has 23 exemptions that may exempt an entity from having to file a BOI report. It’s important to carefully review each exemption for its technical qualifying requirements.

Key exemptions for investment advisers

The CTA exemptions most applicable to investment advisors are the following:

  1. Registered investment advisers: SEC-registered advisers and related entities (e.g., relying on advisers) may be exempt, but this exemption does not cover state-registered advisers, exempt reporting advisers, or holding companies. These entities may qualify for other exemptions such as Venture Capital Fund Adviser or Large Operating Company.
  2. Pooled investment vehicles: most domestic 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) funds qualify, but not those investing in mortgage debt obligations (3(c)(5)(c)).
  3. Foreign pooled investment vehicles: are covered if registered in the US, with limited disclosure requirements.
  4. Subsidiaries: includes entities wholly owned by a SEC-registered adviser, but not if owned by a pooled investment vehicle.

CTA reporting requirements

Entities that do not qualify for an exemption must report each beneficial owner’s name, address, date of birth, ID number, and documentation.

While no filing is needed to rely on an exemption, it’s important to document the facts and circumstances of the reliance for compliance purposes.

Further information

You can read more about the Corporate Transparency Act in the US Department of the Treasury’s Fact Sheet.

FinCEN issued guidance for small firms here: Small Entity Compliance Guide.

How Waystone can help

Waystone Compliance Solutions’ dedicated team of US compliance professionals has extensive experience in assisting firms with their FinCEN obligations. If you require more information on the Corporate Transparency Act or are interested in learning about our regulatory filing services, please reach out to your usual Waystone representative, or contact us below.

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