Compliance Resources for Independent RIAs
Practical guidance aligned with how regulators actually review firms.
Compliance isn’t a one-time event — it’s an ongoing cycle. Yet most regulatory risk doesn’t surface randomly. It tends to appear at predictable points during the year: annual renewal, document reviews, mid-year growth, and year-end preparation.
This resource center is designed to help independent and solo registered investment advisers understand what matters when it matters — and how today’s decisions can impact future regulatory exams.
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Each section below reflects a common compliance focus area advisers face throughout the year.
Turning annual compliance into a strategic advantage
Annual renewal sets the tone for everything that follows — from examiner expectations to document reviews later in the year. This resource focuses on how renewal decisions can either reduce or create downstream regulatory risk.
You may find this helpful if:
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You want confidence that your renewal accurately reflects your firm
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Updates were made under time pressure
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You’d like renewal to support exam readiness, not just meet a deadline
When accuracy matters more than submission
Regulators don’t just review whether documents exist — they evaluate whether disclosures and policies align with how your firm actually operates. This section focuses on common documentation gaps and how outdated or inconsistent information can quietly increase exam risk.
You may find this helpful if:
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Policies haven’t been reviewed alongside your ADV
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Your firm has evolved since documents were last updated
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You want to understand what examiners actually focus on
Staying aligned as your firm grows or changes
Growth often introduces new compliance considerations — even when nothing feels “major.” This resource addresses mid-year changes that can impact regulatory expectations and why waiting until year-end can create unnecessary stress.
You may find this helpful if:
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Your firm added clients, services, or complexity this year
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You’re unsure whether growth introduced new risk areas
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You want to address issues proactively rather than reactively
Preparing now to simplify the next cycle
Year-end reviews are about more than closing the books. They’re an opportunity to identify lessons learned, address lingering issues, and position your firm for a smoother renewal next year.
You may find this helpful if:
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You want fewer surprises during next year’s renewal
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Certain compliance tasks were deferred earlier in the year
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You value planning over last-minute fixes
Adviser-Focused Approach
Three Lumos Consulting works with independent advisers who want practical, proportionate compliance support — not unnecessary complexity or generic checklists.
These resources are designed to:
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Clarify expectations
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Reduce reactive compliance work
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Support long-term regulatory readiness
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If you’re unsure which area deserves attention right now, a brief conversation can help identify priorities based on your firm’s structure and stage.