What type of account requires the advisor to open a trust account when managing funds?

A managed investment account is a type of account where the financial advisor has discretion over the investment decisions for the client’s funds. In this case, the advisor is acting on behalf of the client and managing investments with the intention of producing returns. Since the advisor is managing these funds and has a fiduciary responsibility, a trust account is typically opened. This ensures that the client's assets are held in a manner that is legally recognized, providing an additional layer of protection and requiring adherence to specific fiduciary standards.

The structure of a trust account helps segregate the client’s funds from the advisor's own assets, which is crucial in cases of management where multiple clients might be involved. It facilitates accountability and transparency, ensuring that the advisor’s actions are in the best interest of the clients.

In contrast, standard brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, and joint accounts typically do not require the establishment of a trust account for fund management. In these scenarios, the structure and purpose of the accounts do not necessitate the same level of fiduciary management and separation as found in managed investment accounts.