Account Opening

To open an account with BBAE, download the BBAE app here:

App Store

Google Play

We aim to complete the account approval process within one to two business days if all necessary information is promptly provided. However, if additional verification or documentation is required, the process may take three to five days. Should you have any questions or require assistance during the account opening process, our account services team is available to provide guidance and support. Our goal is to help you meet the requirements and efficiently open and fund your new BBAE account as soon as possible.

If you’re new to investing and wondering where to begin, we’re here to guide you through the process. BBAE offers a host of educational tools designed to ease you into the world of investing:

1. Start with Our FAQ: Visit the FAQ section here. It’s a treasure chest of information where you can find answers to common questions that most new investors have.
2. Explore the BBAE Platform: Within the BBAE Platform, we have the Watchlist and Discover sections. These features allow you to observe market trends, understand potential investment opportunities, and learn how different financial instruments work.
3. Read the BBAE Blog: The BBAE Blog is regularly updated with articles that cover the basics of investing, as well as more advanced topics. These articles can help you build a solid foundation of investment knowledge.
4. Reach Out for Support: Should you have any specific questions or need further assistance, the BBAE support team is ready to help. Contact us via chat or support@bbae.com.

Remember, investing is a journey, and starting with the right resources can make all the difference. Take your time to learn and grow your confidence at your own pace. Welcome to the world of investing with BBAE!

Typically, accounts with BBAE are opened within one to two business days. However, if additional information is required, it may take three to five business days to complete the account opening process. Several factors can influence the exact timeline:

• Completeness of information provided: Providing all the necessary information in a timely manner helps expedite the account opening process. Missing or inaccurate information can cause delays.
• Complexity of account registration: Accounts with joint owners, trustees, or complex business structures may require additional time for setup and approval. Our Compliance team carefully verifies all account registrants and authorized individuals to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Once your account is approved and opened, you will receive a welcome email containing your account login details. This will grant you full access to your brokerage account features, allowing you to begin trading or funding your account without delay.

If you have any questions about the status of your account application or encounter any issues, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you throughout the account opening process and help resolve any concerns to expedite the opening of your account.

BBAE offers individual self-directed brokerage accounts through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Redbridge Securities LLC, a FINRA/SIPC member, and investment advisory accounts through BBAE Advisors LLC, our SEC-registered investment advisor. For entity account inquiries, contact us at support@bbae.com.

MyMarket Accounts:

Emphasizing personal control and autonomy, allowing users to manage their investments using our platform’s trading tools and resources.

• Cash brokerage accounts: The default account type for buying and selling securities with available cash funds only. Suitable for most individual self-directed investors building a portfolio using a mix of stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and other assets.
• Margin brokerage accounts: For eligible clients seeking leverage and short selling ability. Margin accounts let you borrow funds from BBAE to buy securities worth more than your deposited cash, up to certain limits. Approval for margin trading privileges is based on eligibility criteria, including experience, risk profile, and account equity. Ongoing margin interest charges apply for borrowed amounts. Margin trading involves additional risks and is not suitable for all investors.
• Options brokerage accounts: For eligible clients seeking options trading privileges for hedging risks or speculation. Approval is based on options experience, risk tolerance, account equity, and other factors. Options trading allows for more complex strategies but also higher risks. Options trading privileges are not suitable or approved for all client accounts.

MyAdvisor Accounts:

Catering to investors seeking a hands-off approach to investing while benefiting from professional expertise. BBAE MyAdvisor partners with market-leading asset allocators to provide active portfolio management, offering personalized, diversified portfolios tailored to each user’s unique financial goals and risk tolerance. This approach combines the convenience of automated robo-advisory services with the insights and expertise of professional investors, allowing users to focus on their long-term objectives. Investment advisory accounts are offered through BBAE Advisors LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.

Entity brokerage accounts:

For businesses, partnerships, trusts, and other legal entities. Opening an entity account typically requires additional documentation to establish authorization and verify controlling individuals. Account types and trading privileges available depend on the entity structure and financials. Please contact us for details on opening a corporate or institutional account.

To open an account with BBAE, we need to gather specific information from you to fulfill legal and regulatory requirements. The necessary details include:

• Personal information: Your full legal name, current residential address, date of birth, citizenship, and SSN or tax ID number. This information helps us verify your identity and conduct mandatory background and compliance checks.
• Government-issued photo ID: In some cases, we may need a copy of your non-expired government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. This enables us to verify your identity, prevent fraud, and comply with anti-money laundering laws.
• Financial and risk profile: We require details about your net worth, annual income, investment experience, occupation, objectives, risk tolerance, and more. This information allows us to assess your financial situation and risk profile, ensuring suitable investment recommendations and limits for your account.

The specific information required may vary depending on the account types and privileges you request. For instance, applying for margin or options trading may necessitate additional financial disclosures and agreements. BBAE is committed to maintaining strict security and privacy standards for all personal client information provided during the account opening process and throughout your relationship with us.

If you have any questions about the information needed for your particular account setup or how we use that information, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re happy to provide clarifications and additional details to help you understand what’s required to get started with BBAE.

Please follow the steps below to upload documentation:

• Log in to your account and go to the Message Center
• Click either the exclamation mark or the text that says Upload Documents.  
• Follow the prompts on the next page to complete the request and click Submit when finished.  

The reason applications are rejected can vary, but typically, it occurs when we are unable to verify your identity based on the information provided. Additionally, if we have requested additional documentation for your application, it will only be held for one week before rejection. To avoid this, we recommend promptly responding to any requests for additional information. 

Please note our commitment to transparency; if your application is rejected, we will provide you with detailed information via email. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact our support team. 

At BBAE, we may require customers to verify their address in certain cases, especially if it is not provided on their government-issued photo ID. This verification process is necessary to fulfill legal and regulatory requirements.

To verify your address, we accept various forms of documentation, including government-issued documents, bank statements, or utility bills. These documents must display your name and residential address. Please note that we require a complete, unedited copy of the document, rather than just a partial one.

If you have any questions about the specific information needed for your account setup or how we use that information, please feel free to ask. We are more than happy to provide clarifications and additional details to help you understand what is required to get started with BBAE.

A cash brokerage account, also known as a Type 1 cash account, operates without margin trading or leverage. In this type of account, you are required to have sufficient cash or available funds before purchasing any stocks, options, or ETFs.

In a cash brokerage account, you can only trade with the money that has been deposited into the account. All trades made in a cash account are settled in “cash,” representing the total amount of cash and securities held in your investment account. This is in contrast to a margin account, where you can borrow a portion of funds from BBAE to conduct trades.

Here are some key points about cash brokerage accounts:

• Trading limitations: You can only trade using the cash or securities that you have deposited, without the ability to leverage funds.
• Trade settlement: Trades made in a cash account typically settle in 1 business day (T+1) since no margin is provided.
• Lower risk: With no margin borrowing allowed, you cannot lose more than the amount you have invested, reducing the overall risk.
• Flexibility: Cash brokerage accounts allow trading in various types of securities such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, and mutual funds.
• Simplicity: By avoiding margin loans, interest charges, and margin calls, cash brokerage accounts offer a straightforward trading experience.

By understanding the characteristics and limitations of a cash brokerage account, you can make informed decisions about the type of account that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Margin trading refers to the practice of borrowing funds from BBAE to purchase securities. In this process, BBAE, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Redbridge Securities, acts as the lender, and you utilize the securities held in your account as collateral for the margin loan. Margin trading allows you to amplify your buying power, but it also entails risks and expenses.

To get started with margin trading, follow these steps:

1. Understand the risks: Margin trading involves borrowing money to purchase securities, which can magnify gains and losses. It’s crucial to understand the potential risks, including the possibility of losing more than your initial investment.
2. Apply for a margin account: To initiate margin trading, you need to apply for a margin account. This process may involve providing additional documentation and information about your financial situation. Be advised that if your cash account is not funded, you will not be able to apply for margin. Please make a deposit first.
3. Meet the minimum account equity requirement: To trade on margin, you must maintain a minimum account equity of $2,500.
4. Monitor your account: Once your margin account is approved, closely monitor your investments and margin requirements. Be aware of the potential for margin calls if your account equity falls below the required maintenance margin level.
5. Develop a risk management strategy: To minimize potential losses, consider using stop-loss orders, diversifying your portfolio, and maintaining a healthy cash balance.

Margin trading is not suitable for all investors due to the additional risks involved. Please carefully consider your investment objectives, financial situation, and risk tolerance before deciding to trade on margin.

Once you have fulfilled the necessary requirements, you can use margin to purchase securities. Nonetheless, it is essential to acquaint yourself with the margin regulations and comprehend the related risks. Margin trading can serve as a valuable instrument for seasoned investors, but acquiring a thorough grasp of the concept is vital before beginning.

Keep in mind that margin trading entails particular risks and might not be appropriate for every investor. It is recommended to meticulously evaluate your investment objectives, tolerance for risk, and knowledge of margin trading prior to participating in such endeavors.

Margin trading entails several risks, including but not limited to the following:

1. Margin calls: One of the primary risks associated with margin trading is the possibility of a margin call. If the value of the securities in your account drops below the maintenance margin requirement, you may be issued a margin call. This call necessitates restoring your account balance to meet the minimum margin requirement by depositing additional cash or marginable securities. Failure to meet the margin call deadline could result in BBAE liquidating your securities to repay the margin loan.
2. Leverage risk: Margin trading amplifies both gains and losses due to the leverage it provides. As a result, unfavorable market conditions can lead to significant losses, even surpassing your initial investment.
3. Interest expense: Margin loans come with interest charges that can accumulate over time. These expenses can impact your overall investment returns.
4. Liquidity risk: During periods of high market volatility, you may encounter difficulties in selling your securities at the desired price. This risk could worsen if many investors are trying to sell the same type of securities simultaneously.
5. Forced liquidation: If you are unable to meet a margin call, the brokerage has the right to sell your securities, potentially at an unfavorable price, to cover the loan. This forced liquidation can result in significant losses.

It is crucial to be aware of these risks and to assess your financial situation, investment objectives, and risk tolerance before engaging in margin trading. Margin trading may not be suitable for all investors.

When participating in margin trading, it is important to be aware of interest expenses and other associated risks:

1. Interest expenses: You are required to pay interest on the outstanding margin balance. The interest rate may vary depending on the brokerage and the size of the loan. These interest charges can accumulate over time and impact your overall investment returns. For BBAE’s current margin interest rates, please click here.
2. Losses exceeding initial investment: Margin trading leverages your investment, which can amplify both gains and losses. Consequently, you may experience losses that surpass your initial investment, particularly during unfavorable market conditions.
3. Additional collateral requirements: In the event of a market decline, you may need to deposit more collateral in the form of cash or marginable securities to maintain your margin requirements. This could strain your financial resources.
4. Margin calls: If the value of the securities in your account falls below the maintenance margin requirement, you may receive a margin call, necessitating additional cash or securities to restore the account balance. Failing to meet the margin call deadline may result in the forced liquidation of your securities to repay the margin loan, which could lead to significant losses.
5. Forced liquidation: If you cannot meet a margin call, your brokerage has the right to sell your securities without your consent, potentially at unfavorable prices, to cover the outstanding margin loan.

It is vital to understand and assess these risks and your financial situation, investment objectives, and risk tolerance before engaging in margin trading. Margin trading may not be suitable for all investors.

All securities brokerage accounts within the BBAE platform are provided by Redbridge Securities, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BBAE and a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). As a result, the brokerage accounts at Redbridge Securities, accessed via the BBAE platform, benefit from SIPC insurance coverage. Below are the key points to understand about this insurance protection:

1. SIPC protection: SIPC is a non-profit membership corporation created by the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 to protect customers of member broker-dealers in case of their financial failure. SIPC works to restore customer assets, such as cash and securities, in the event that a brokerage firm faces insolvency or bankruptcy.
2. Coverage limits: SIPC covers up to $500,000 per customer, including a maximum of $250,000 for cash claims. It is important to note that this coverage applies to the aggregate net equity of your account(s) at BBAE and not per individual account.
3. What is not covered: SIPC insurance does not protect against market fluctuations or losses resulting from poor investment decisions. Additionally, it does not cover commodities, futures contracts, or investment contracts not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
4. How to verify coverage: To confirm that Redbridge is a member of SIPC, you can search for the firm on the SIPC website.

SIPC provides coverage for up to $500,000 in total, which includes a maximum of $250,000 in cash held in your account.

It’s important to note that SIPC coverage does not protect against market losses or declines in the value of your investments. For more information about SIPC and its coverage, visit www.sipc.org.

In the unlikely event that BBAE’s wholly-owned broker-dealer, Redbridge Securities, a SIPC member, experiences financial failure, SIPC insurance protects your securities and cash held in your account. It covers situations where assets cannot be returned due to theft or loss. It’s important to note that SIPC insurance does not protect against market losses or declines in the value of your investments, nor does it cover all types of investments. For more information about SIPC and its coverage, visit www.sipc.org.

SIPC insurance does not protect against normal market losses or declines in the value of your investments or account balances. For more information about what SIPC insurance does and does not cover, visit www.sipc.org.

SIPC insurance applies to various types of brokerage accounts, including cash brokerage accounts and margin brokerage accounts. It’s important to note that not all types of investments within these accounts may be covered by SIPC. For more information about which accounts and investments are covered, visit www.sipc.org.

Yes, for joint accounts, each account co-owner is individually covered up to the standard maximums, which include up to $500,000 in total with a maximum of $250,000 in cash. In the case of joint accounts with rights of survivorship, the surviving co-owner(s) receive coverage for the entire account balance after the passing of the first co-owner. For more information about SIPC coverage for joint accounts, visit www.sipc.org.

For more information about SIPC coverage, including which types of accounts and investments are covered, as well as details on the coverage limits, visit the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) website at www.sipc.org. You can also consult their frequently asked questions, brochures, and other resources available on their website to learn more about SIPC and its role in protecting investors.

Yes, some non-U.S. citizens can open an account with BBAE. Currently, we accept customers from several countries. To see if your country is eligible, please check the BBAE platform, which provides the most up-to-date list of countries we service.

We are continuously working to expand our services to more regions. If your country is not currently listed as eligible, we appreciate your patience and suggest checking back periodically as we update the list.

Yes, you can still open an account with BBAE even if you do not have a Social Security Number. We accept the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as an alternative. When prompted for your SSN during the application process, you may provide your ITIN instead.

No, applying for an account with BBAE will not affect your credit score. We conduct a soft check on your information, which is a standard practice for customer identification in compliance with industry regulations.

A soft check, also known as a soft inquiry, is a review of your credit file that does not impact your credit score. Soft checks are typically used by financial institutions to verify your identity and eligibility for certain products without affecting your credit.

It is important that you verify both your phone and email during the registration process. To do so, please follow the steps below: 

• After initially entering your email and creating your password, you will be prompted to verify your email and phone number.  
• Follow the onscreen instructions to enter the verification code that was sent to your email address. 
• Repeat the same process for your phone number. 

Please note that verification codes expire after twenty minutes. If you have further questions, please contact our support team.  

We were unable to verify your identity based on the information provided. This could happen if the information given is mistyped or entered incorrectly. We request this documentation so that we can verify your identity and comply with industry regulations. It is important that when submitting your government-issued ID you provide clear copies of both sides of the document.  

We were unable to verify your identity based on the information provided. This can happen if the information given is mistyped or entered incorrectly. It can also happen if you have a freeze on your information for identity theft protection. We request this documentation so that we can verify your identity and comply with industry regulations. Acceptable documents include your social security card, W-2, or letter from the IRS or SSA.     

To see the status of your application, go to the Account tab. There you will see one of the following statuses:

• Processing Application – your application is currently being reviewed.
• Additional Documentation Required – to proceed with your application, additional documentation is required. More on that here.
• Application Declined – your application was declined. More on that here. 

We aim to complete the account approval process within one to two business days if all necessary information is promptly provided. However, if additional verification or documentation is required, the process may take longer. Our goal is to open your account as soon as possible. Once your account is approved and opened, you will receive a welcome email.

Congratulations! To begin investing with BBAE, the first step is to fund your account. You can do this by ACH, wire, or Account Transfer (ACAT). More on that here. 

If you have questions or need further assistance funding your new BBAE account, please contact our support team. We are here to help and strive to make the funding process as straightforward as possible.