Form ADV-H Extended: Tech Glitches Get Paper Relief
Published Date: 4/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The SEC is extending the approval for Form ADV-H, which lets investment advisers ask for a break from filing paperwork online if they face tech troubles or big costs. This affects advisers who might need extra time or relief from electronic filing rules, especially small businesses. No new fees or big changes are coming, but advisers should keep an eye on deadlines to stay in the clear.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Up to One-Year Paper Filing for Small Adviser Firms
Certain investment advisers that are small businesses (but not exempt reporting advisers) can apply for a continuing hardship exemption to avoid electronic filing for up to one year. To apply you must file Form ADV-H at least ten business days before a filing is due; the Commission will grant or deny the application within ten business days, and if approved you may submit filings to FINRA in paper format for the approved period (no more than one year).
Temporary Paper Filing Relief for Advisers
If you are an investment adviser registered or registering with the Commission, or an exempt reporting adviser, you can get a temporary hardship exemption when unanticipated technical difficulties prevent electronic filing. You must file Form ADV-H in paper format no later than one business day after the subject filing was due, and submit the subject filing electronically through IARD no later than seven business days after the subject filing was due; the temporary exemption is granted when you file the completed Form ADV-H.
Minimal Estimated Paperwork Time Burden
The SEC estimates there are 22,495 potential respondents (16,404 registered investment advisers and 6,091 exempt reporting advisers) and expects two responses annually, each taking about one hour, for an annual aggregate burden of two hours for this collection. The collection is mandatory and the filings are not kept confidential.
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