Financial & Affiliate Disclosures

Maitland Wealth (operated by Media Kynect Ltd) is a digital publisher and research provider. View Full Disclosure Page

Research Methodology: Within this Markets Page, terms such as "Analysis," "Monitoring," or "Review" refer strictly to our independent editorial evaluation of market data, fee schedules, and regulatory filings. Maitland Wealth is a digital publisher, not a CPA firm; our findings are not financial audits as defined by GAAP standards.

Financial Disclosure: We do not provide personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. This research is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation for any specific investment strategy.

Affiliate Disclosure: Our market research is supported by our readers. We may receive compensation from the companies mentioned (including Goldco, Augusta, and others) if you choose to open an account through our links. This helps maintain our research operations.

The 5 Pillars of Our Research Methodology

We utilize a weighted scoring system to inform our structural reviews. A firm must meet a 90% threshold across all five pillars to qualify for "Institutional Tier" status. These standards support your independent due diligence — Download the Research Checklist.

1. Structural Fees 25%

We evaluate the 15-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), prioritizing flat-fee custodial models for portfolio efficiency.

  • Review of setup costs vs. recurring annual maintenance.
  • Assessment of dealer spreads (Bullion vs. Proofs).
  • Screening for unstated liquidation penalties.
2. Custodial Structure 20%

Institutional status requires partnership with trust companies maintaining a clean regulatory record and significant AUM.

  • Evaluation of Equity Trust, STRATA, or GoldStar relationships.
  • Structural separation of Dealer vs. Custodian entities.
  • IRC Section 408(m) purity compliance review.
3. Liquidity Framework 25%

Liquidity is a primary risk factor. We evaluate historical data to determine standard fulfillment and payout speeds.

  • Documented "Highest Price Buyback" frameworks.
  • Historical liquidation velocity within 10 business days.
  • Fee-minimized liquidation for high-net-worth accounts.
4. Institutional Logistics 15%

Metals must be held in non-bank facilities with documented biometric security and institutional insurance limits.

  • Review of Delaware Depository, Brink’s, or IDS partners.
  • Verification of $1 Billion+ underwritten insurance coverage.
  • Analysis of Segregated vs. Commingled storage availability.
5. Ethics & Sentiment 15%

Our team filters reviews for organic resolution patterns and evaluates sales pressure tactics.

  • Minimum 10-year operational history for top-tier review.
  • Analysis of complaint resolution vs. transaction volume.
  • Educational focus vs. urgency-based sales methodologies.

Research Results: Who Met the Criteria?

Out of 18 firms reviewed in 2026, only two met the strict thresholds of our 5-Point Institutional Framework.

View The 2026 Shortlist »

Referral Disclosure: Maitland Wealth may receive a commission if you open an account through this research link. This support allows us to maintain our non-advisory research operations.

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