Distribute your Investment Company Act of 1940 ('40 Act) registered fund with federally regulated broker-dealer affiliates, FINRA-aligned compliance, and consultative guidance across every intermediary channel.
Distribution Services
Comprehensive distribution services for asset managers
Optimize distribution for registered and retail alternative funds
Distribution success for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) requires more than executing selling agreements. It requires a partner who understands intermediary requirements, FINRA and SEC rules, NSCC clearing operations, and the evolving cost structures of wirehouses, registered investment advisors (RIAs), independent broker-dealers, and other market channels. To extend your fund's reach, you need experienced broker-dealer affiliates, FINRA-aligned advertising review, payment and reporting transparency, and consultative guidance to plan and refine your distribution program over time.
Plan and operate your distribution program with confidence
Navigate FINRA and SEC regulatory expectations
Move with confidence across a layered framework of FINRA advertising rules, registered representative supervision, and SEC and state filings. Our broker-dealer affiliates carry strong regulatory records and apply disciplined processes to every distribution workflow you run with us.
Expand reach across intermediary channels
Reach RIAs, wirehouses, independent broker-dealers, and emerging platforms through an established network calibrated to each channel's requirements, fees, and onboarding standards. With deep channel expertise and intermediary contacts, your fund lands with the right audiences along the most efficient paths.
Tailor distribution strategies to your fund and audience
Shape a distribution plan aligned to your fund, your audience, and your stage of development through the Ultimus Distribution Advantage (UDA) program. No two advisors approach distribution the same way, so consultative guidance, intermediary platform intelligence, and partner directories adapt to where you are.
Operate within an auditable compliance framework
Maintain transparent, auditable records across advertising review, selling agreements, registered representative supervision, authorized participant agreements, ETF order approval, NSCC activity, and intermediary payments. From board oversight through regulatory scrutiny, our workflows keep operations teams focused on strategic priorities instead of paperwork.
Services and solutions
Principal underwriting
We operate as your fund's principal underwriter through our broker-dealer affiliates, with Form BD, state registrations, insurance, and regulatory administration in one program.
Advertising and collateral review
Review your marketing materials through the Red Oak platform with FINRA-aligned workflows that move collateral to market faster.
Intermediary and authorized participant (AP) agreement administration
Administer selling agreements with intermediaries and AP agreements for ETFs in one place, with documentation, tracking, and renewal workflows built in.
Intermediary payments and NSCC operations
Track intermediary payments and process NSCC trades, including offshore clearing, through a platform whose analytics reveal how each channel performs.
Registered representative oversight
Supervise FINRA registrations for your employees marketing '40 Act registered funds, covering licensing, oversight, and ongoing compliance.
UDA program
Tap consultative guidance, intermediary intelligence, partner directories, industry programming, and a client-only resource hub through the UDA program.
Benefits of partnering with Ultimus
Distribute through federally regulated broker-dealer affiliates
Distribute through Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, both registered broker-dealers and members of FINRA.
Reduce total cost of ownership
Cut vendor fragmentation and total cost of ownership through statutory distribution operations backed by exceptional service.
Streamline compliance and advertising operations
Move marketing materials to market faster through the Red Oak platform and consistent broker-dealer compliance oversight.
Gain consultative guidance through every stage
Tap the UDA program for distribution planning, intermediary intelligence, and partner access at each growth stage.
Scale support as your fund family expands
Adapt service levels, intermediary coverage, and compliance support as your fund family expands across mutual funds, ETFs, and additional structures.
Frequently asked questions
What services are included in Ultimus distribution services?
Ultimus distribution services include principal underwriting, FINRA advertising and collateral review, and intermediary and Authorized Participant (AP) agreement administration. You also receive intermediary payment administration, NSCC trade processing, registered representative oversight, and consultative guidance through the Ultimus Distribution Advantage (UDA) program.
What is the UDA program?
The UDA program is an exclusive resource for our registered fund advisor clients that supports distribution planning and execution. You gain consultation, software and database access, industry programming, marketing and PR guidance, educational webinars, and a client-only website with platform intelligence and partner directories.
Which broker-dealers does Ultimus operate?
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC provides distribution services through its affiliated broker-dealers, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC. Each is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA, with a strong regulatory record and established intermediary relationships.
Do you support exchange-traded fund (ETF) distribution?
Yes. Our broker-dealer affiliates support ETF distribution operations, including Authorized Participant agreement administration, ETF order approval, FINRA advertising review, and intermediary payment administration. You also gain consultative ETF distribution support through the UDA program.
What other registered products is Ultimus able to support as a distributor or underwriter?
Our broker-dealer affiliates serve as principal/statutory underwriter, distributor, or placement agent across a range of registered and retail alternative fund structures, including:
Mutual funds
ETFs
Closed-end funds
Interval funds
Tender offer funds
Business development companies (BDCs)
Non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs)
529 plans
Across the platform, Ultimus partners with hundreds of fund advisors spanning the product structures above, supporting Form BD, state registrations, FINRA advertising review, intermediary agreement administration, authorized participant agreements (ETFs), and intermediary payment administration.
How do you handle FINRA advertising review for fund marketing materials?
Review of your advertising materials runs through the Red Oak platform in accordance with FINRA rules. Interactive workflows route materials to compliance reviewers, support comment resolution, and maintain auditable records for board reporting and regulatory examinations.
How can a new advisor get started with Ultimus distribution services?
New advisors engage Ultimus across the full distribution lifecycle, from broker-dealer setup and selling agreement strategy through ongoing intermediary management, compliance, and growth. The UDA program provides early-stage planning tools, intermediary intelligence, and consultation to help you structure your distribution program for long-term scale.