Question 1

Are you a fiduciary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are a Registered Investment Advisor, legally bound to act in your best interest, regulated by state securities authorities. You can verify us anytime on FINRA’s BrokerCheck or our ADV.

Question 2

Are you independent or tied to a brokerage?

Accepted Answer

We’re fully independent—no commissions, no product sales, no quotas, ever. That gives us complete freedom to use the best tools, partners, and global investments for your benefit. Our only obligation is to you, as your fiduciary.

Question 3

Do you ever receive kickbacks or referral fees?

Accepted Answer

No. Carson Capital is 100% fee-only. We don’t earn commissions, referral fees, or kickbacks. That means the only payment we receive is directly from you—so our incentives are always aligned with yours.

Question 4

Where is my money held?

Accepted Answer

We use independent, top-tier custodians like Charles Schwab and Altruist. Your accounts stay in your name and under your control—we simply manage them with your authorization.

Question 5

Is my money insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Here’s how protection works at Carson Capital:

Securities (stocks, ETFs, bonds, funds): Your investments are custodied at major firms like Schwab and Altruist. Even if Schwab were hacked or went out of business, you would still legally own your shares (e.g., Apple stock is registered in your name on the company’s official books). Custodians simply hold and report your positions—they don’t “own” them.
Insurance: All accounts are covered by SIPC protection (up to $500,000, including $250,000 for cash). Both Schwab and Altruist also maintain additional layers of private insurance above SIPC to provide extra protection.
Cash Balances: For cash held in sweep programs, we use bank networks that expand FDIC coverage well beyond the standard $250,000 limit—so your money is spread across partner banks for maximum insured protection.
Cybersecurity: Custodians employ bank-level security, encryption, and multi-factor authentication. In the event of unauthorized activity, you’re also protected by their asset protection guarantees.

In short: You remain the legal owner of your investments, and multiple layers of insurance and safeguards exist to protect both your securities and your cash.

Question 6

How do you protect my data and privacy?

Accepted Answer

Your trust is everything. We use bank-level encryption, two-factor authentication, and only partner with vetted, industry-leading platforms that meet strict security standards. Just as important—we never share or sell your data. Your financial life stays private, secure, and fully under your control.

Question 7

How do you keep my accounts safe beyond the custodians?

Accepted Answer

At Carson Capital, security doesn’t stop at Schwab or Altruist. We have robust internal controls, constant monitoring, and strict policies and procedures that must be followed for every transaction. These controls are reviewed in regular compliance meetings and audit checks to ensure maximum protection.

You’ll also receive direct notifications from custodians on every account activity, so there’s always a transparent paper trail.

In addition, Carson Capital maintains business insurance that includes cybersecurity and professional liability coverage—adding another layer of protection for our clients and firm.

In short: We take security and accountability as seriously as managing your money, with multiple layers of controls, oversight, and protection.

Question 8

Who regulates Carson Capital?

Accepted Answer

We’re a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), regulated by state securities authorities and, as we grow, by the SEC. This means we must follow strict fiduciary and compliance standards designed to protect investors.

Question 9

What happens if something happens to you?

Accepted Answer

We have a continuity plan in place to ensure your accounts and planning don’t miss a beat. Your money is always custodied with major institutions (like Schwab or Altruist), so it never depends on one person.

Your Questions. Our Answers.

Here’s what potential clients ask most often—and our straightforward answers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)