# Configure a client external custodian DAF account

Your custom DAF platform leverages an integrated, self-clearing broker-dealer, [Alpaca](https://alpaca.markets/broker-dealers), for simplified [on-platform DAF investments](https://advisorguide.charityvest.org/how-advisors-use-charityvest-for-advisors/enable-investing).  

For sophisticated clients who require external, separately managed accounts (SMAs), your firm may have enabled multi-custodial donor-advised fund accounts through your custom DAF program. 

Multi-custodial functionality enables your firm’s custom DAF program to display client assets held at external custodians directly within your branded DAF platform. 

This capability allows you to provide clients with a complete view of their philanthropic assets—regardless of where they're held—while maintaining your firm's existing custodial relationships.

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**Interested in enabling a multi-custodial DAF account for your client?** Contact your firm's program manager for more information.
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### Powered by Bridge FT

[Charityvest](https://advisorguide.charityvest.org/master/the-charityvest-partnership) partners with [BridgeFT](https://www.bridgeft.com/), the industry's leading API-first wealth infrastructure platform, to enable seamless connectivity to external custodians. BridgeFT's technology aggregates data from multiple custodians through a single API connection, allowing you to display balance information without building individual integrations. 

### Benefits of multi-custodial accounts

Multi-custodial capabilities allow your firm to: 

* Scale your custom DAF program without having to move existing client assets from their current custodians
* Strengthen your brand by consolidating all DAF visibility under your firm's platform 

Your clients and team benefit from viewing all DAF balances in one trusted, branded interface—eliminating the need to access multiple platforms just to check account values.

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**Looking to manage your client's external DAF account?** External account management still requires accessing the custodian's platform for external grant processing, external asset transfers, external investment rebalancing, and external transaction history. 
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### Available now: Schwab integration

Multi-custodial connectivity is currently available for Schwab brokerage accounts, supporting both existing accounts and new account openings.

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**Curious to learn more about your firm's custom DAF program?** Contact your firm's program manager for program-related matters or Charityvest (<support@charityvest.org>) for platform-related matters.
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