Account Authorization
Clear client consent language specifying transfer type and authorization authority. Include printed name, signature, and date to validate intent and attribution for ESIGN/UETA compliance.
A complete, accurate form reduces transfer delays, supports compliance, and produces an auditable authorization trail. Standardized fields cut manual follow-up and help custodians reconcile assets and tax information efficiently.
Financial institutions and client-facing teams complete or request this form when moving accounts between custodians or advisors.
Multiple parties may sign or authorize the form; routing and authentication depend on custodian policy and regulatory requirements.
| Field Mapping | PDF fillable fields | Match to CRM account attributes |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Email plus SMS code | Two-factor signer verification |
| Routing Rules | Custodian then advisor | Sequential signer order |
| Retention Settings | 7 years | Secure archival and export options |
| Notifications | Sender and recipients | Status emails on each event |
Confirm integrations, accepted file formats, and authentication methods before sending the form to custodians.
Ensure the platform you use supports audit trails, secure storage, and export of signed PDF/A records so custodians can accept electronic packets without rekeying.
Provide the completed form immediately upon request to avoid processing delays.
Many custodians process ACAT transfers in approximately 3–10 business days; exceptions depend on assets and holds.
Partial transfers may take longer when in-kind assets require manual reconciliation.
Obtain promptly when required; wait times vary by bank and branch.
Expect custodial confirmation or exception notices within two weeks.
Assemble statements, IDs, and beneficiary information before initiating transfer.
Obtain signed authorization and any required guarantees or notarization.
Send the signed packet to losing and receiving custodians with required attachments.
Monitor for exceptions, confirm final account balances, and close the migration request.
Clear client consent language specifying transfer type and authorization authority. Include printed name, signature, and date to validate intent and attribution for ESIGN/UETA compliance.
Include full legal account title, current account number, and receiving account identification to prevent misrouting and simplify custodian reconciliation.
List full instructions: full vs partial transfer, in-kind or liquidate, and any asset-specific handling requirements to guide custodial processing accurately.
Provide a detailed asset list with CUSIPs, quantities, and currency where applicable. Ambiguous descriptions increase exception handling and delay settlement.
Indicate taxpayer identification, backup withholding status, and any required forms to prevent hold or withholding on transferred funds.
Attach recent account statements, power of attorney documentation, medallion guarantee if required, and any corporate resolution for entity accounts.
Most custodians want a current account statement showing the owner and holdings for verification.
Copy of a government-issued ID helps confirm client identity during entitlement checks.
If an agent signs, attach a valid, signed durable POA or corporate resolution authorizing the signatory.
Provide a medallion guarantee when the losing or receiving firm requires it to protect against forgery.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Optica standardized migration templates and electronic signing to reduce manual input and inquiries.
Martin Properties moved to online forms for account transfers tied to property escrow and trust distributions.
The client or account owner provides primary authorization. For individual accounts this is the natural person; for entity accounts it is the authorized officer or representative listed on corporate records and any attached resolution.
A broker-dealer or custodian officer may need to sign, attest, or stamp the form; third-party agents require a valid power of attorney or medallion guarantee based on the receiving institution's policies.