Independent Custodians
Annex Wealth Management uses three independent custodians: Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, and Fidelity to hold client money, instead of holding it ourselves. The custodian serves as a gatekeeper and watchdog for client accounts.
As the advisor, Annex Wealth Management only has access to client accounts to manage their portfolio and place trades on their behalf. We can’t withdraw or transfer funds to an outside account (unless that account is in the client’s name and they authorize such a transfer in writing).
The custodian sends out a quarterly statement directly to each client that details all activity in their account, including deposits, withdrawals, trades, and any management fees that were deducted. It’s all part of being straightforward regarding client money while maintaining an official record of their account.