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Investment Authority Document

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INVESTMENT AUTHORITY DOCUMENT

Parties and Account Identification

Client Name:

Effective Date:

Recitals

This Investment Authority Document (the "Agreement") is entered into between the Client identified above and the Investment Manager identified below for the purpose of granting authority to manage, direct, and effect transactions in the Client's investment account in accordance with the terms, limitations, and objectives set forth herein.

Grant of Authority

The Client hereby grants to the Investment Manager the authority to make investment decisions and to execute transactions for the Client's account. The scope of authority is selected below:

Discretionary authority: Investment Manager may buy, sell, or otherwise trade in securities and instruments without prior consent for each transaction.

Non-discretionary authority: Investment Manager shall obtain prior approval from Client for each transaction.

Scope, Limits and Transaction Types

Authorized transaction types include: public equities, fixed income, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, cash equivalents, and other instruments mutually agreed in writing. The Investment Manager is not authorized to engage in the following without express written consent:

Client authorizes use of margin or borrowing in the account within limits specified by the custodian and applicable law.

If margin or leverage is authorized, describe maximum leverage ratio or special conditions:

Investment Objectives and Risk Tolerance

Fees, Expenses and Compensation

The Client agrees to pay the Investment Manager fees as set forth below. Fees are exclusive of custodian charges, third-party fees, taxes, and transaction expenses unless stated.

Reporting and Records

The Investment Manager shall provide periodic statements and performance reports in accordance with the schedule below. Reports shall detail holdings, transactions, fees charged, and realized/unrealized gains and losses.

Term, Amendment and Termination

This Agreement shall continue in effect until terminated by either party upon written notice. Termination shall not affect obligations incurred prior to termination, including payment of fees and completion of pending transactions. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Representations, Warranties, and Acknowledgments

The Client represents and warrants that the information provided herein is true and complete, that the Client has full authority to enter into this Agreement and to grant the authorities set forth, and that no other person or entity's consent is required. The Investment Manager represents that it will act in good faith, with reasonable care, and in a manner consistent with the Client's stated objectives and applicable law.

Indemnification and Liability

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Investment Manager, its employees and agents from and against claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of the Client's breach of this Agreement, the Client's misrepresentations, or the actions taken pursuant to the authority granted herein, except to the extent resulting from the Investment Manager's gross negligence, willful misconduct, or material breach of law.

Confidentiality

Both parties shall maintain the confidentiality of nonpublic information obtained in connection with this Agreement, except as required by law, regulation, or a competent regulatory or judicial authority. Confidential information may be shared with service providers of the Investment Manager as necessary to perform duties under this Agreement.

Governing Law and Notices

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state or jurisdiction indicated below, without regard to conflict of law principles. Notices shall be delivered in writing to the addresses specified above or to such other address as either party may designate by written notice.

Special Instructions and Additional Terms

Client Certifications

By signing below, the Client certifies that the Client has provided true, correct, and complete information, has read and understands the terms of this Agreement, and authorizes the Investment Manager to act in accordance with the authorities granted. The Client acknowledges receipt of any required disclosures and acknowledges the risks of investing, including possible loss of principal.

Client Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Investment Manager Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text

What the Investment Authority Document Is and when it’s used

An Investment Authority Document is a written instrument that grants another person or firm the legal power to manage, trade, or otherwise make investment decisions on behalf of an account holder. It typically defines the scope of authority, permitted transactions, duration, and any limits or conditions. The document can be used by retail investors, corporate treasuries, trusts, and custodians to accept instructions, route trades, or authorize withdrawals while creating an auditable record of consent and responsibility.

Why a clear Investment Authority Document matters

A well-drafted Investment Authority Document clarifies who may act, what powers they have, and when those powers begin or end. Clear scope reduces disputes, speeds custodial onboarding, and supports compliance with broker-dealer and fiduciary duties while preserving an auditable consent trail for regulators and third parties.

Why a clear Investment Authority Document matters

Who typically completes an Investment Authority Document

Several roles commonly prepare or sign investment authority paperwork; the document serves both individual and institutional contexts.

  • Individual investors delegating trading authority to an advisor or family member for portfolio management.
  • Registered investment advisors or broker-dealers establishing discretionary trading permissions with a client.
  • Trustees or executors granting custodians specific execution and settlement powers tied to a trust or estate.

Use this document whenever trading authority, withdrawal rights, or limited custodial instructions must be recorded formally and accepted by the custodian or financial institution.

Primary signers and their typical roles

Investor — Account Holder

A retail investor or legal account owner who grants authority. The account holder sets limits, selects the authorized agent, and remains legally responsible unless authority is properly revoked.

Registered Rep — Financial Advisor

A licensed advisor or broker acting under the granted authority. This signer often provides ongoing investment decisions and must follow the instructions and restrictions described in the document.

Essential components to include in a professional Investment Authority Document

A complete document explicitly states the parties, effective dates, scope and limits of authority, custodial instructions, compensation or fees, and signature blocks for authentication and acceptance.

Parties

Full legal names and legal entity types for the account holder and the authorized agent; include titles and capacity (e.g., trustee, corporate officer).

Scope

Describe permitted activities precisely (trade types, asset classes, margin authority, withdrawal limits) to avoid overbroad delegation and disputes.

Duration

State effective and termination dates, conditions for automatic renewal, and procedures for revocation to clarify how long authority remains in force.

Custodian Instructions

Provide account numbers, custodial contact details, settlement instructions, and any documentation the custodian requires to accept instructions.

Compensation

Detail any fees, commissions, or advisory compensation and how they are calculated, billed, and disclosed to the account owner.

Authentication

Signature blocks, notarization/witness requirements, and electronic signature provisions including evidence the custodian will accept.

Required information fields at a glance

Account Number: Custodian account identifier
Full Legal Name: As on government ID
Authorized Agent: Name and license or firm
Scope Summary: Permitted transaction types
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Signature Block: Signer, title, date

Step-by-step: completing and executing the document

Follow a clear sequence to assemble, authorize, and deliver the Investment Authority Document so custodians can process instructions without delays.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect ID, account statements, trust or entity formation documents as needed.
  • 02
    Draft Scope: Write explicit permissions, limits, and prohibited actions.
  • 03
    Authenticate: Sign, date, and notarize or e-sign according to custodian requirements.
  • 04
    Send to Custodian: Deliver signed copy to custodian and retain proof of receipt.

Configuring a digital workflow for online completion

Set up an online template with fields for signers, authentication, and conditional rules to streamline repeated use and ensure auditability.

Field Mapping | Configuration Map each form field to a named data field to enable reuse and integrations
Authentication Method Use email plus SMS code or higher assurance for advisor signers
Conditional Fields Show or hide fee and trustee sections based on entity type
Bulk Send Enable when issuing the same authority to multiple accounts
Audit Trail Capture timestamps, IP, and signer attribution for compliance

Where the Investment Authority Document goes after signing

The execution flow determines acceptance: signed document goes to custodian, internal compliance, and retained for records.

  • Create Document: Prepare template with required fields
  • Authorize Signers: Assign roles and authentication
  • Execute: Sign electronically or notarize as required
  • Deliver: Send signed copy to custodian and retain

Digital delivery and technical considerations

Choose a platform that supports required authentication, audit trails, and integrations with custodians or account systems.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML accepted by custodians
  • Authentication: Email, SMS code, or advanced signer verification

Timing and processing expectations

Processing times vary by custodian and the authentication method used; plan deadlines around custodial cutoffs and settlement cycles.

Effective upon acceptance:

Authority often takes effect when custodian acknowledges receipt

Custodian processing:

Typically 1–5 business days to reflect in account

Trade instruction timing:

Allow for market hours and settlement windows when issuing trade permissions

Revocation notice:

Processing may take several business days after receipt

Record retention:

Keep executed documents per legal retention rules

Key milestones from draft to active authorization

Track execution milestones to confirm authority is established, accepted by the custodian, and available for operational use.

01

Draft Complete

Document prepared with all required fields and supporting attachments.

02

Signatures Obtained

All parties sign; notarization or witnesses completed if required.

03

Custodian Acceptance

Custodian reviews and acknowledges authority for account operations.

04

Operational Use

Advisor or authorized agent begins executing trades per the document.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing this document

  • Vague scope language that unintentionally grants unlimited discretion and leads to disputes with the account owner or regulator.
  • Mismatched names or incorrect account numbers that cause custodians to reject or delay acceptance of the document.
  • Failing to specify termination or revocation procedures means authority may persist longer than intended or be unclear to third parties.
  • Neglecting custodian-specific acceptance rules, such as notarization or firm-specific forms, which can prevent processing.

Potential legal and financial risks of errors

Unauthorized Trading: Civil liability and disgorgement
Fiduciary Breach: Damages and regulatory scrutiny
Custodial Rejection: Operational delays and lost opportunities
Tax Reporting Issues: Incorrect reporting or backup withholding
Fraud Exposure: Potential criminal investigation
Revocation Failure: Authority may remain active until formally accepted as revoked

eSignature vendor comparison for executing investment authority forms

Common eSignature providers vary by price, enterprise features, and compliance capabilities. signNow is listed first for direct comparison with major alternatives.

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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 plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions about executing and accepting investment authority

Answers to common operational and legal questions to help ensure a signed Investment Authority Document is accepted by custodians and enforceable.


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