The entity named in a client agreement determines the services, contractual responsibilities and jurisdiction relevant to that relationship. A group name, website address or office location does not by itself establish regulatory authorisation, deposit protection or the availability of a service.
Before entering a relationship, obtain the full legal name, registered address and relevant authorisation details from the proposed provider. Check those details against the appropriate official register and the documents supplied to you. This page links to independent registers; those links do not assert that any particular Montclair Bellerive entity is registered with them.
Verify the exact entity
Search using the legal name and registration identifier, not only a trading name. Check the permissions and status, and compare the official contact details with those you have been given. A similarly named business or a copied registration number is not evidence of a connection.
Official starting points include FINMA's authorised institutions, the UK Financial Services Register, the US Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database and the MAS Financial Institutions Directory. Use the register relevant to the proposed service and jurisdiction.
Understand the service and your classification
Banking, investment advice, investment management and execution are different activities. Confirm which are included in the agreement and which are not. An introduction or a public service description does not create authority to act for you.
Client classification can affect available services and protections. Ask for an explanation of the classification applied to you and the consequences of any proposed change. Eligibility for a product does not establish that it meets your objectives or that you should accept its risks.
Deposits, investments and custody
Deposit protection depends on the eligible institution, account, depositor and applicable scheme. Investment products are not automatically covered by deposit insurance, even when distributed through a bank. The FDIC's explanation of non-deposit products describes that distinction for the United States.
Custody and asset segregation are separate from protection against investment losses. Obtain the relevant custody terms and scheme disclosures for the actual relationship. This website does not provide an assurance of FDIC coverage or another compensation scheme for a particular account.
Costs, conflicts and risk information
Read fee schedules and product disclosures before agreeing to a service or transaction. Ask about management fees, custody, execution charges, product expenses and other relevant costs. Understand whether a provider acts as adviser, agent, principal or in another capacity for the proposed activity.
Conflicts can arise through remuneration, relationships and different client interests. Ask how they are identified and managed. Absolute marketing statements about independence should not replace a specific explanation of the arrangements relevant to your decision.
Documents and complaints
Keep the agreement, disclosures, authorisations and amendments together. If an explanation appears inconsistent with a document, resolve the discrepancy before relying on it. Use verified channels for formal notices and retain the relevant correspondence.
The complaints procedure explains how to raise concerns and identify a relevant external body. Eligibility and deadlines depend on the entity, service and jurisdiction. A public listing of an external body does not establish that it can consider every complaint.
Public information
Editorial material is general information, not personalised investment, tax or legal advice. Examples are illustrative. Investment values can fall, liquidity can be restricted and past performance does not determine future outcomes. Consult the relevant qualified advisers and product documents before acting.
Content reviewed 14 September 2026