What to do when a Cambridge account holder dies
Contact Cambridge — 5-step process, 5 required documents, and varies by account type and documentation; contact advisor for specifics
Cambridge Client Services
1776 Pleasant Plain Road, Fairfield, IA 52556-8757
Cambridge Client Services
1776 Pleasant Plain Road, Fairfield, IA 52556-8757
Estate Settlement (via Financial Advisor)
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., 1776 Pleasant Plain Road, Fairfield, IA 52556-8757
When an account holder at Cambridge passes away, the next step depends on how the investment accounts were set up. Accounts with beneficiary designations or trust ownership transfer outside of probate. Accounts titled solely in the deceased's name require the estate's legal representative to work with Cambridge's Estate Settlement (via Financial Advisor) ((641) 472-5100) to access and distribute the funds.
Cambridge provides an online portal for initiating death claims, which can simplify the initial notification and document submission process. Claims can also be started by phone or by mailing the required documents.
Death claim process
Follow these steps to file a death claim with Cambridge:
Filing a claim
- If advisor is unknown, call Cambridge reception at 800-777-6080
- For TOD accounts: provide beneficiary ID and existing or new account information for direct distribution
- For probate accounts: provide Letters Testamentary or Administration
Required Documents
- Certified death certificate
- Government-issued ID for beneficiary or executor
- Letters Testamentary or Administration (if no TOD/beneficiary designation)
- Trust documents (if applicable)
- Small Estate Affidavit (if eligible under state law)
What to know at this institution
Cambridge advisors coordinate the full estate settlement process through the clearing firm. Cambridge does not maintain custody of client funds or securities -- assets are held at NFS or Pershing. Insured Bank Deposit Program accounts with beneficiary designations are treated as payable on death. Revocable trust accounts in the IBDP are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per named beneficiary.
Prepare your letter of instruction to Cambridge
Cambridge asks for a letter of instruction alongside its claim form. We prepare a transmittal cover letter and the enclosure checklist Cambridge requires.
Build your letter of instructionHow long the process takes at Cambridge: Varies by account type and documentation; contact advisor for specifics. The most common reason for delays is missing or incomplete documentation, so submitting everything upfront is the best way to keep things moving.
Documentation required by Cambridge includes Certified death certificate, Government-issued ID for beneficiary or executor, and Letters Testamentary or Administration (if no TOD/beneficiary designation), along with additional paperwork that varies by account type. All death certificates and court documents must be certified copies.
Frequently asked questions
Cambridge Investment Research is one of the top independent broker-dealers in the U.S., with approximately 4,100 financial professionals and over 900 home office associates. The firm has been employee-owned since 1981 and is majority owned by the Schwartz Family Trust. Cambridge surpassed $2 billion in annual revenue in October 2025 and reports $2.18 billion in annualized revenue and $267 billion in assets under advisement as of March 31, 2026. Cambridge is not a direct-to-consumer platform -- consumers work with Cambridge-affiliated independent financial advisors. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Cambridge's Estate Settlement (via Financial Advisor) can be reached by phone at 1-800-777-6080 for questions throughout the claims process.
If the deceased held multiple Cambridge investment accounts, each may require a separate claim or have different documentation requirements. The Estate Settlement (via Financial Advisor) can confirm which accounts require individual attention and which can be processed together.
Sources
Data sourced from Cambridge primary sources (15 pages reviewed). How we research.
Cambridge Client Services
1776 Pleasant Plain Road, Fairfield, IA 52556-8757
Cambridge Client Services
1776 Pleasant Plain Road, Fairfield, IA 52556-8757
Estate Settlement (via Financial Advisor)
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., 1776 Pleasant Plain Road, Fairfield, IA 52556-8757
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