El Camino Real Financial Advisors can usually complete the account transfer process within 5 to 10 days from the time you authorize the transfer.
The "ACATS" Procedure
The vast majority of brokerage accounts are transferred via the "ACATS" or the Automated Customer Account Transfer System. ACATS is the National Securities Clearing Corporation's (NSCC) centralized processing system for the transfer of positions and accounts between participating brokerage firms. The ACAT system allows broker dealers to enter, review, and settle account transfers in a fully automated manner.
The ACAT transfer will normally take between five to eight business days, with the process taking longer when a customer attempts to transfer positions that are not paid in full, have unsettled funds, or restricted stock. You need to take this time factor into account when you authorize a transfer. The ACATS method is completely electronic and safe. Clients must sign an "ACAT" form for each account being transferred.
The Non-ACATS Procedure
Typically, a NON-ACATS transfer is one between a non securities custodians like an Insurance Company and a securities custodian like TD Ameritrade. This procedure requires additional forms and usually takes some time longer.
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