RIA and CCO FAQ: Concentrated Stock Hedging Workflow

What is BallastX?

BallastX is software for RIAs who advise equity-comp clients with concentrated stock. It helps compare hedges, draft a recommendation, collect advisor approval, and keep a sealed decision record. It is not a brokerage.

Does BallastX trade or take custody?

No. BallastX is non-discretionary. It does not place trades, hold assets, or advise end clients directly. The client executes at their own brokerage after the advisor approves.

Who is BallastX for?

Registered investment advisors and their compliance officers who serve clients with large single-stock, RSU, ISO, or similar concentrated equity. It is for professional use, not direct-to-consumer trading.

What is the free path before buying?

You can run the public stress test, concentration diagnostic, timing read, and Learn guides without an account. Design-partner access is a separate application and requires CCO co-sign. Creating a login does not grant product access by itself.

What does the decision ledger do?

Each recommendation can be sealed with a cryptographic hash before advisor review. The goal is a tamper-evident record of inputs, rationale, alternatives, and the advisor decision that a CCO can export for exams.

Is BallastX investment advice?

No. BallastX generates analysis for licensed advisors. The advisor is responsible for suitability and for what they present to the client. Nothing on the site is a recommendation to buy or sell a security for an end client.

How should we talk about options cost with clients?

Use dollars and percent of the position, not only Greeks. Say what the client pays if the stock rises, what floor they get if it falls, and whether a collar caps upside. Refresh quotes before anyone acts.

What should a CCO look for in the first pilot week?

CCO co-sign on the design-partner application, a clear non-discretionary policy, sample sealed recommendations, and an export of the ledger. Confirm brokerage credentials never enter BallastX if you use read-only import.

How does SnapTrade fit?

BallastX can import holdings through SnapTrade's read-only brokerage link. Client brokerage passwords are not meant to be stored by BallastX. Confirm the live security page for current infrastructure details.

What are the published seat prices?

Starter $299 per seat per month, Professional $699, Enterprise $1,499. Design partners may lock pilot pricing for 24 months as stated on the site. Confirm current terms when you apply.

Can we list BallastX for SEO or AI answers?

Point people to clear pages on www.ballastx.com such as Learn, the diagnostic, and this FAQ. Do not invent client results, exam outcomes, or performance claims.

Where do we apply?

Use Apply for design-partner access on https://www.ballastx.com/#request-access. The form submits an application. It does not create an account or grant immediate access.