Full Service

Full Service Authorization Model
Who It's For

Advisors who need maximum flexibility and are comfortable with custody implications.

The Full-Service model represents the most comprehensive operational capability that IBKR offers, designed for advisors whose business models require the ability to handle client funds and assets with maximum flexibility. This model acknowledges that some advisory relationships involve a higher degree of delegated authority, particularly in institutional or high-net-worth contexts.

What You Need

  • Professional advisor registration status

  • Comfort with potential custody regulatory requirements

  • Robust compliance and operational infrastructure

  • Individual client consent for each authorization level

Key Features

  • Complete administrative control capabilities

  • Third-party payment and wire transfer authority

  • Individual client enrollment with granular control selection

  • Maximum operational flexibility

Important Considerations

This model may trigger custody requirements over client funds, so it's essential to understand the regulatory implications for your practice.

The custody implications are significant and shouldn't be taken lightly. When you have the ability to move client assets per standard banking instructions or third party instructions, regulatory authorities treat this as custody, which brings additional compliance requirements, potential insurance needs, and operational procedures. Before choosing this model, you should consult with your compliance team and possibly legal counsel to ensure you're prepared for these enhanced responsibilities.

How It Works

Each client must enroll individually and select specific powers to grant you. This gives clients granular control over what you can do on their behalf.

Unlike the Streamlined Plus model where clients are automatically enrolled, the Full-Service model requires explicit, individualized consent for each client. This approach recognizes that the enhanced capabilities come with increased responsibility and ensures that each client makes a conscious decision about the level of authority they're comfortable granting.

What You Can Do

All capabilities from previous models, plus:

  • All core authorizations (fees, trading, limits, account linking/closing)

  • Vote shares and handle corporate actions

  • Control electronic communications delivery

  • Update comprehensive account information including personal details, trading permissions, and tax forms

  • Manage special programs like Stock Yield Enhancement

  • Handle banking and transfer instructions

  • Send messages directly to client accounts

  • Send third-party payments and wire transfers

  • Transfer funds and assets to external parties

  • Set specific limits on 3rd party payments and wires (e.g., maximum amounts per time period)

  • Complete account information management without individual approvals

  • Trading permission updates without individual approvals (clients must sign all applicable agreements for trading permission updates).

The ability to set specific limits for third party payments and wires is particularly important for risk management. You might have a client who's comfortable with you handling routine transfers up to a certain amount but wants to personally approve larger transactions. This flexibility allows you to customize the operational relationship to match each client's comfort level and risk tolerance.

Important Note

The ability to move client funds to third parties makes this model powerful but comes with additional regulatory responsibilities and potential custody requirements.

This capability enables business models that simply aren't possible with other service levels – for example, advisors who regularly coordinate with clients' other service providers, handle complex estate planning transactions, or manage accounts for clients who are frequently unavailable for routine approvals. However, with this power comes the need for robust internal controls and compliance procedures.

Default Eligibility

Available by application only, with individual client opt-in required for each specific authorization level.