Updated
Updated · Wealth Management · Sep 3
Schwab Raises Tax-Aware Long-Short Minimum to $10 Million, Halts New Margin Accounts
Updated
Updated · Wealth Management · Sep 3

Schwab Raises Tax-Aware Long-Short Minimum to $10 Million, Halts New Margin Accounts

2 articles · Updated · Wealth Management · Sep 3

Summary

  • $10 million is now the minimum for some new Schwab tax-aware long-short separately managed accounts, up from $1 million, under changes taking effect Sept. 16.
  • Schwab also stopped enrolling new clients and taking new funds in portfolio margin accounts, saying rapid growth in the strategy could strain its ability to support advisers and clients.
  • The tighter limits mark at least Schwab’s third pullback on the trade, which has drawn wealthy investors seeking capital-gains tax losses through complex bets for and against stocks.
  • Current clients keep existing terms, but the move adds to a broader retreat by major brokers after Fidelity indefinitely paused onboarding for similar tax-aware strategies.

Insights

What alternative will wealthy investors use now that Wall Street is restricting leveraged tax-loss harvesting?
Why are major brokerages suddenly terrified of a popular tax loophole used by the ultra-wealthy?