One of the most common questions we get from users exploring nsave's investment feature is: who actually owns the stocks I buy?
The short answer: you do.
This article explains how your investments are held and why that matters.
Your Investments Are Held in Your Name
When you buy stocks or ETFs through nsave, you open your own brokerage account. The assets you purchase are held in your name, not in nsave's name.
This is known as a named account structure. It means:
You are the beneficial owner of every stock and ETF you buy
Your holdings are registered to you personally
Your assets are segregated from nsave's own funds
How the Custodian Structure Works
nsave uses a custodian model to hold your investments. Here is what that means in practice:
A regulated custodian holds the securities on your behalf
The custodian maintains records that confirm you as the owner
nsave provides the interface for you to buy, sell, and manage your portfolio
This is the same structure used by major brokerages such as Interactive Brokers (IBKR). If you have used IBKR before, the ownership model at nsave works the same way.
Why This Matters
A named account structure provides important protections:
Your assets belong to you. They are not part of nsave's balance sheet and cannot be used to cover nsave's obligations.
Transparency. You can see exactly what you own at any time within the app.
Portability. Because the account is in your name, your ownership is clear and documented.
Investment Fees
From 9 October 2026, buying or selling stocks and ETFs costs 0.20% of the order, with a minimum of $0.25. Shares you held before 9 October can be sold free until 31 March 2027. Holding stocks is free.
See Investment fees: what you pay to buy and sell stocks for examples and full details.
Quick Summary
Feature | nsave |
Account type | Named brokerage account in your name |
Ownership | You are the beneficial owner |
Asset segregation | Yes, assets are held separately from nsave |
Trading fees | 0.20% per order, minimum $0.25 |
Custodian model | Same structure as major brokerages |
Still Have Questions?
If you want to learn more about how your investments are protected, feel free to reach out to our support team through the app or by emailing support@nsave.com.