Brokers and Advisors
Brokerages act as banks for securities (stocks and bonds), and make transactions for clients as a broker or for themselves as a dealer.

Aesop is not a broker. Aesop is an independent registered investment advisor (RIA), which means we do not provide brokerage services, and we are not exclusively affiliated with any single broker. Some RIAs, such as Aesop, provide account management services in addition to investment advice.

While larger firms may provide both advisory and brokerage services, independent advisors partner with brokers called qualified account custodians to open client-owned accounts in the client’s name. The advisor manages investments in the account on the client’s behalf.

 

Our Custodians
Aesop partners with two account custodians to meet diverse needs of clients. Our custodians provide secure client access to accounts through web and mobile-based applications where clients can view balances and transactions at any time.

SSG
Shareholders Services Group (SSG) works exclusively with independent registered investment advisors, and is known for their high level of customer service. Headquartered in San Diego, SSG was formed in 2002 by financial services executives who have created or managed custodial platforms since the 1980s. SSG partners with Pershing LLC for clearing and custody services. Pershing has provided brokerage services since 1939, and is the largest securities clearing firm in North America. Pershing is a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon, which is the world’s largest custodian. Pershing is a member of the NYSE, FINRA and SIPC, and its affiliates are members of international stock exchanges.

IBKR
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers a range of service levels to meet the needs of clients at any stage. Since 1982, IBKR has been pioneering technology-focused transaction applications. IBKR is the largest US electronic broker based on daily average revenue trades. IBKR is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut and has over 2,400 employees in its offices in the US and internationally. IBKR is regulated by the SEC, FINRA, NYSE, and other regulatory agencies around the world.

 

Aesop Advisor determines which custodian may be the best option for individual clients based on their overall financial profile.

SSG and IBKR do not provide investment advisory services and operate solely as brokerages. Aesop’s account custodians, including SSG and IBKR, do not provide investment advice and do not supervise Aesop Advisor or its representatives.

Aesop does not have the authority to remove funds or securities from your account, with the exception of withdrawing funds for the payment of advisory fees, which is accomplished by the account custodian.