Why Choose Olympic Exchange?
When hundreds of thousands — or millions — of dollars sit in an exchange account during the identification and closing period, three things matter enormously.
Not All Qualified Intermediaries Are Created Equal
Some QIs advertise “no fee” or “reduced fee” exchanges — but the real cost is hidden. They keep the interest earned on your exchange funds, or split it with you. On a $2 million exchange sitting in an account for 120 days at current rates, that interest can be substantial. Before you choose a QI, ask these three questions.
Who Earns the Interest on Your Exchange Funds?
Our Clients
100% of the interest earned on exchange deposits is paid to you — the client. Our fee is a flat, transparent fee. We don't supplement it by keeping your interest.
Some Other QIs
Keep all or a portion of the interest earned on your funds — or split it with you. Their “no fee” or “reduced fee” pricing is subsidized by your interest income.
Example: On a $2 million exchange account held for 120 days at today's rates, the interest can be thousands of dollars. We believe you should earn it — not us.
Are Your Funds in a Qualified Escrow Account?
Olympic Exchange
Your exchange funds are held in qualified escrow accounts — segregated accounts in your name at Columbia Bank. What makes it a qualified escrow is the dual signature requirement: funds cannot be disbursed without your signature. This provides a layer of protection beyond the qualified intermediary safe harbor alone.
Most Other QIs
Most qualified intermediaries rely solely on the QI safe harbor provision. They typically do not also use qualified escrow accounts, which means your funds may not carry the additional protection of a dual signature disbursement requirement.
Why it matters: The IRS regulations provide two separate safe harbor provisions for 1031 exchanges — the qualified intermediary safe harbor and the qualified escrow account safe harbor. Olympic Exchange uses both. Most QIs use only one. The qualified escrow account adds a critical layer of protection for your exchange funds by ensuring no disbursement occurs without your authorization.
Are Your Funds Fully FDIC Insured — Even Above $250,000?
Olympic Exchange
We use Columbia Bank's sweep account program. Your funds are automatically spread across a network of partner banks, ensuring the entire balance is FDIC insured — not just the first $250,000.
Some Other QIs
Standard FDIC covers only $250,000 per depositor, per institution. Some QIs charge extra to insure balances above that limit — or simply don't offer full coverage at all.
The bottom line: You and Olympic Exchange retain full control of the funds through Columbia Bank's secured portal. Your entire exchange balance is protected. Contact us for details on the sweep program.
The Olympic Exchange Difference
Here's what sets us apart — at a glance.
| Olympic Exchange | Typical QI | |
|---|---|---|
| Interest on exchange funds | 100% to you | Kept by QI or split |
| Fee structure | Flat, transparent fee | “No fee” + hidden interest cost |
| Safe harbor provisions | Both QI + qualified escrow | QI safe harbor only (typically) |
| FDIC coverage | Full balance (sweep program) | $250K limit or extra charge |
| Sweep program availability | Included — ask for details | Often not available |
Your Exchange Funds Deserve the Best Protection
Contact us for a free consultation. We'll explain exactly how your funds are held, how you earn interest, and how every dollar is insured.