ACA Group: A Growing Hub for Innovation in Compliance and Risk Management

Since its establishment in September 2014, the Pittsburgh office of ACA Group has grown from a modest team of 12 into a vital cornerstone of the company’s global operations. The expansion was sparked by one of ACA’s founders, who recognized the value of Pittsburgh’s rich university talent pool. Initially focused on a single service, communications surveillance, the branch now delivers eight specialized managed services and boasts over 230 employees, with 160 based locally. This rapid growth attracted other arms of ACA to the region, turning Pittsburgh into a major operational hub.

At the heart of ACA’s approach is the integration of cutting-edge technology with their deep compliance expertise. The company’s proprietary regulatory technology (RegTech) platform, ComplianceAlpha®, automates a wide range of compliance tasks such as employee certification tracking, AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks, and marketing content reviews. This platform helps clients streamline their operations, reduce risks, and ensure adherence to complex regulatory requirements. 

In tandem with its powerful tech, ACA’s Managed Services team offers tailored support to help clients manage day-to-day compliance and risk responsibilities. These services include regulatory filings, chaperoning expert network calls, and reviewing electronic communications. Clients can use ACA’s RegTech tools and Managed Services independently, but their real strengths shine when they’re combined, creating a seamless, comprehensive solution that enhances efficiency and oversight.

Michelle Wardle-Eggers, ACA’s Senior Analyst Development Manager in Managed Services and recipient of the 2025 CIO of the Year Workforce Champion Award, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continued success of the team. 

“I’m in a unique position where I get to work with all eight of our Managed Services Delivery Teams on determining staffing needs and onboarding new joiners, and I also provide learning and development support across our entire team,” said Wardle-Eggers. 

She is working with ACA’s HR team to pilot a newly redesigned analyst program in Pittsburgh that will provide early-career hires with broad exposure across compliance functions, positioning them to grow into diverse roles across the organization.

“We are continuing to explore new ways to reach Pittsburgh’s talent pool,” she said. 

Looking ahead, ACA is keeping a close eye on emerging trends in the regulatory landscape. One major shift is the increasing need for compliance departments to embrace technology. ACA is seeing a broader adoption of RegTech as compliance teams can no longer keep up without it. ACA is meeting this demand head-on, ensuring clients have the tools they need to stay ahead of evolving regulations.

Global compliance complexity, a growing focus on AML and cybersecurity, and the responsible use of AI are also shaping the future. ACA is actively developing solutions to help clients address these challenges, including integrating AI into both their RegTech platform and Managed Services offerings.

As ACA’s local presence continues to grow, so does its efforts to help clients navigate an increasingly complex regulatory world through a smart combination of people, process and technology.