Schwab Employer-Sponsored Brokerage Account

The Schwab Employer-Sponsored Brokerage Account (ESBA) is a small business retirement plan solution that affords participants the freedom of a brokerage account. 

What is it?

A Schwab ESBA is an employer-sponsored retirement plan funding solution offered in conjunction with registered investment advisors (RIAs), certified public accountants (CPAs), and third-party administrators (TPAs). It’s a small business retirement plan custody solution for plan sponsors with their own plan document and administrator. This solution allows participants to build their own portfolio with a variety of investment vehicles including stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and mutual funds, or they may choose to have their account professionally managed by an independent advisor.

Key features

  • Online plan access

    Employers and plan administrators can access an online portal providing efficient administration and reporting tools.

  • More investment choices

    Employees can select from thousands of investments available through Schwab, depending on what the plan allows.

  • Premium research and tools

    Participants have access to Schwab's industry-leading resources to find the right investments for them.

Who would benefit from an ESBA?

ESBA is appropriate for RIAs, CPAs, TPAs and small business owners who:

  • Are servicing small business retirement plans.
  • Are seeking a wider range of investments.
  • Want the ability to see and manage deposit and balance details online.
  • Have their own plan documents and administrator.

Schwab does not offer investment advice to ESBA account holders or small business retirement plan sponsors; however, the Schwab ESBA solution permits retirement plan sponsors to allow participants to appoint an independent advisor.

Fees and requirements

  • Schwab charges a low quarterly maintenance fee for ESBA.
  • Transaction fees and commissions apply. See the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for Retirement Plan Accounts for details.
  • A Schwab Employer-Sponsored Brokerage Account (ESBA) cannot be included with any other household accounts at Schwab.

  • Take the next step

    Download the ESBA What You Need to Know Brochure for more details including product benefits, roles and responsibilities, a Quick Launch checklist and more.

    Talk to us about how an employer-sponsored brokerage account can benefit you and your clients.
    Call 800-765-8298