
A Securities Account Control Agreement (SACA) is a crucial document that outlines the terms and conditions of a securities account, including who has control over the account and how transactions will be processed.
The SACA typically includes the names and addresses of the parties involved, such as the securities intermediary and the entitlement holder.
A SACA can be used to establish a securities account for a variety of purposes, including investment, trading, and custody.
By signing a SACA, the parties agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement, which can include provisions for notice, reporting, and dispute resolution.
Intriguing read: Cruise Control
What is a Securities Account Agreement?
A securities account agreement is a crucial document that outlines who has the authority to make decisions for the account. This agreement is essential for avoiding confusion, especially when multiple people are authorized to trade on someone's behalf.
Having a clear agreement in place can prevent losses in case of unexpected events, such as the account holder's passing or incapacitation. It's vital to have this sorted out before investing in anything.

A securities account control agreement typically involves three parties: the owner/pledgor, the securities intermediary (like a broker or bank), and the lender. These agreements come in various shapes and sizes, so it's essential to have a basic understanding of what to look for when reviewing them.
Control agreements are particularly important in the context of pledged securities accounts, which are increasingly being used as collateral for commercial loans.
Take a look at this: Investment Control
Sample
A securities account control agreement is a crucial document that outlines the terms and conditions of a securities account.
It's typically used in situations where a custodian bank or a third-party administrator is holding securities on behalf of a client.
In a securities account control agreement, the client grants the custodian bank the authority to hold and manage their securities.
The agreement also outlines the client's responsibilities and obligations, including the provision of accurate and complete information.
The custodian bank's responsibilities and obligations, such as safeguarding the client's securities, are also clearly defined.
The agreement may also specify the procedures for transferring securities, including the use of electronic systems.
Ultimately, the securities account control agreement helps to ensure that the client's securities are properly managed and protected.
Suggestion: Did You Own or Control a Foreign Bank Account
Securities Account Agreement Details

A securities account control agreement is a document that outlines which person has the authority to make decisions for the account.
This agreement can help avoid confusion in various situations, such as when one or more people are authorized to trade on a person’s behalf.
It's essential to have this sorted out before investing in anything because not having anyone listed could lose any money invested.
To perfect a security interest in a Securities Account, a lender must take control over the account.
A lender can perfect its security interest by filing a UCC financing statement against the Pledgor covering the Securities Account, but this will be primed by a secured party who takes control of the Securities Account.
To take control, a lender must enter into a written security agreement executed by the Pledgor of the Securities Account being pledged.
A three-party control agreement signed by the Pledgor, the Broker and the Lender, containing adequate control language, is also required.
A lender perfecting a security interest in a Securities Account by control must also obtain a written three-party control agreement signed by the Pledgor, the Broker and the Lender.
Securities accounts are increasingly becoming part of the collateral for commercial loans.
For another approach, see: Options Broker
Examining Pledged Securities Accounts
A control agreement for a pledged securities account should contain adequate "control" language to ensure the lender has sufficient control over the securities.
The agreement should also clearly outline the subordination of the broker's statutory first priority security interest in the securities account to the lender's security interest.
It's essential to review the termination provisions in the control agreement to ensure they are acceptable to the lender.
A conflict between the control agreement and customer agreements between the pledgor and broker can arise, so it's crucial to address this issue in the control agreement.
Here are the key questions to consider when examining a pledged securities account control agreement:
- Adequate "control" language is present in the control agreement.
- The broker's statutory first priority security interest in the Securities Account has been subordinated to the Lender's security interest.
- The control agreement does not go too far in limiting the potential liability of the Broker.
- The termination provisions in the control agreement are acceptable to the Lender.
- The control agreement governs in case of conflict with customer agreements between Pledgor and Broker.
Industry Standards and Agreements
A securities account control agreement is a document that outlines which person has the authority to make decisions for the account. This type of agreement is essential to have before investing in anything.
The ISDA 2013 Account Control Agreement provides a standardized form of agreement for the segregation of independent amounts for uncleared swaps with an independent third-party custodian.
A control agreement can help avoid confusion in various situations, such as when one or more people are authorized to trade on a person's behalf. This agreement can ensure clarity and avoid confusion surrounding who has authorization over your investments.
The ISDA Sample Tri-Party IA Provisions are a collection of templates that preceded the ISDA 2013 Account Control Agreement. These templates provide sample terms and provisions that may facilitate the negotiation of contractual arrangements that provide for segregation of Independent Amounts with a third-party custodian.
A lender perfecting a security interest in a Securities Account by "control" must enter into a written security agreement executed by the Pledgor of the Securities Account being pledged.
Here are some key requirements for a control agreement:
- A written security agreement executed by the Pledgor of the Securities Account being pledged.
- A written three-party control agreement signed by the Pledgor, the Broker, and the Lender, containing adequate "control" language.
- A UCC filing against the Pledgor covering the Securities Account, which will be primed by a secured party who takes "control" of the Securities Account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SaCa?
A SaCa (Securities Account Control Agreement) is a document that gives a lender control over a securities account, allowing them to perfect their security interest in it. This enables the lender to secure their investment and protect their interests in the account.
Sources
- https://www.contractscounsel.com/t/us/securities-account-control-agreement
- https://contracts.justia.com/companies/chanticleer-holdings-inc-2122/contract/481281/
- https://www.gulfcoastbusinesslawblog.com/2022/05/whos-in-control-with-your-account-control-agreement/
- https://ficoso.com/ucc/examining-issues-with-control-agreements-for-pledged-securities-accounts/
- https://www.isda.org/book/2013-account-control-agreement/
Featured Images: pexels.com