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Answers to your
most important questions.

Everything you need to know about CleverAlpha, automated investing, our fees, and how we protect your money.

Getting Started

About CleverAlpha

What is CleverAlpha?
CleverAlpha is an automated investment management platform built on evidence-based portfolio construction. We are an SEC-registered investment adviser that builds and manages diversified ETF portfolios for a flat fee of 0.25% per year. Our approach combines Wall Street strategy, Silicon Valley technology, and academic rigor.
Is CleverAlpha a fiduciary?
Yes. CleverAlpha Asset Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC, which means we are legally required to act as a fiduciary — always in your best interest. When providing investment advisory services, this is not optional or situational. It is our legal obligation.
How is CleverAlpha regulated?
CleverAlpha Asset Management, LLC is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an investment adviser. CleverAlpha Securities, a DBA of Velocity Capital LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. You can verify our registration at BrokerCheck: brokercheck.finra.org.
What is the minimum investment?
There is no minimum investment to open a CleverAlpha account. You can start with any amount. However, for tax-loss harvesting and certain portfolio optimization features to be fully effective, a portfolio of at least $10,000 is recommended.
Fees & Pricing

Understanding our fees

What does CleverAlpha charge?
CleverAlpha charges 0.25% per year (25 basis points) on assets under management. This is a CleverAlpha advisory fee — no trading commissions, no custody fees, no hidden charges. The fee is calculated daily and charged monthly. On a $100,000 portfolio, that is $250 per year, or about $21 per month.ETF expense ratios and any applicable third-party charges are separate.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Our 0.25% annual fee covers portfolio construction, monitoring, rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting when applicable, and reporting: portfolio construction, rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, dividend reinvestment, and access to our AI advisor. The only costs beyond our fee are the internal expense ratios of the ETFs we use (typically 0.03% to 0.15%), which go directly to the ETF providers.
How does CleverAlpha's fee compare to a traditional advisor?
Traditional financial advisors typically charge 1.0% to 1.5% per year. On a $500,000 portfolio, that is $5,000 to $7,500 annually. CleverAlpha charges $1,250 per year for the same portfolio — saving you $3,750 to $6,250 per year. Over 20 years, that difference can compound into six figures.

Comparison is generalized and may not reflect every adviser or service model. Traditional advisers may provide services CleverAlpha does not provide, and fees, minimums, tax features, and service levels vary by firm and client agreement.

Security & Safety

Protecting your money

How is my money protected?
Securities in your account are protected by SIPC up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash claims) through CleverAlpha Securities, a DBA of Velocity Capital LLC, a SIPC member. SIPC protection covers customer assets in the event of a broker-dealer failure — it does not protect against investment losses.
Does CleverAlpha have custody of my assets?
Your assets are held in your name at our clearing and custody partner. CleverAlpha has discretionary authority to manage your portfolio (buy and sell securities on your behalf), but your assets are held separately in your individual account. You can view your holdings and withdraw funds at any time.
Can I withdraw my money at any time?
Yes. There are no lock-up periods or early withdrawal penalties for CleverAlpha-managed accounts. Standard settlement times apply to equity sales (T+1 for most securities). Note that withdrawals from IRAs may be subject to tax penalties depending on your age and circumstances.
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