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Are my assets safe with a bank custodian?

Yes. Assets held by banks in a custodial capacity do not become assets or liabilities owned by the bank. If a bank is bought or fails, custody assets remain the property of the account owner. They are not subject to the claims of the bank's creditors.

Last Reviewed: April 2021

Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.

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