Adding a trusted contact to your M1 account is a proactive way to help protect yourself and your assets. A trusted contact is an individual you authorize M1 to get in touch with if we suspect your account might be at risk—such as in cases of suspected exploitation, diminished capacity, or unusual account activity. Learn why this step matters, how to add a trusted contact, and more below.
What is a Trusted Contact?
A trusted contact is someone age 18 or older whom you authorize M1 to contact if we detect possible issues on your account. Your designated trusted contact does not gain access to your assets or account details, nor can this person make transactions on your behalf. M1 will always attempt to contact you first.
Trusted contacts are standard across the industry and highly recommended by FINRA. M1 is required by FINRA Rule 4512 to ask you to add a Trusted Contact to your account.
When might M1 contact your Trusted Contact?
Your trusted contact could be reached in situations such as:
Suspected financial exploitation or fraud: Unusual or irregular transactions, or requests that are inconsistent with your normal activity.
Inability to reach you: Multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact you about urgent account concerns.
Requests that raise red flags: Examples include attempts to move large sums abroad without prior precedent, or sudden changes to beneficiary or account ownership information.
Important: M1 will not share your account balances, holdings, or other private information with the trusted contact. This person’s role is to help us get in touch with you or to provide context if we suspect risk.
Benefits of adding a Trusted Contact
Adding a trusted contact offers the following advantages:
Additional layer of protection against fraud or exploitation, especially important as you age.
Provides someone M1 can reach if you are traveling, unreachable, or indisposed.
Gives your family or trusted friends confidence that you’ve taken steps to proactively protect your finances.
Highly recommended by industry leaders and required by FINRA.
How to add or edit a Trusted Contact
You can add or update your trusted contact from your account profile online or in the app at any time.
Web
Log in to your M1 account
Click your Profile icon (bottom-left corner).
Click Profile.
Look for the Trusted Contact section and click Add Trusted Contact (or "Edit" if updating).
Enter your trusted contact’s:
First and last name
Phone number
Email address
Relationship to you
Click Save.
Mobile
Open the M1 app and log in.
Tap your Profile icon (top right).
Tap Profile.
Navigate to the Trusted Contact section.
Enter or edit the trusted contact’s details as above and tap Save.
Trusted Contact vs. Power of Attorney (POA)
Trusted Contact:
Cannot place trades, transfer funds, or access your account
Can only be contacted by M1 in cases of suspected risk
Designation does not give them legal authority over your finances
Power of Attorney (POA):
Provides legal authority to act on your behalf
Allows access to, and management of, your account (subject to M1’s review and approval of POA documents)
Requires formal documentation
Frequently asked questions
Can I add more than one trusted contact?
Currently, you may have only one trusted contact listed per M1 account. If you need to change the contact, you can update the information at any time in your account settings.
Who should I choose as my trusted contact?
Ideally, select someone you trust to act in your best interest: a family member, close friend, or advisor. Trusted contacts must be at least 18 years old and able to respond if contacted by M1.
Will my trusted contact know they’re listed?
M1 may, but is not required to, notify your trusted contact. Consider letting this person know yourself so they are aware and prepared to respond if M1 ever calls.
Does my trusted contact have access to my account?
No, your trusted contact cannot view, transact, or manage your account. Their sole role is as a point of contact for M1 under specific circumstances.
Is it required to have a trusted contact on file?
M1 is required by regulation to ask for a trusted contact but you are not required to add one. However, it is strongly recommended for your protection.
This content was generated using artificial intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While reasonable efforts are made to ensure accuracy, AI-generated outputs may omit key context; and should not be construed as financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Users should independently verify all information and consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
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