Exchange Authority
Exchange Authority is a Qualified Intermediary facilitating Section 1031 tax-deferred real estate exchanges for US real estate investors. Founded in 1983, the firm operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bank from Worcester, MA.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1983
- HeadquartersLeominster, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Exchange Authority does
Exchange Authority is a Qualified Intermediary (QI) that facilitates Section 1031 tax-deferred real estate exchanges on behalf of US real estate investors. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, the firm operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bank under the LifeDesign brand promise. Its core product suite comprises Forward Exchanges, Improvement (Construction) Exchanges, and Reverse Exchanges, each structured to comply with the 45-day identification and 180-day completion requirements of Section 1031. Service delivery is organized around a proprietary 4-step C.A.R.E. Process (Contact, Acquire, Review, Exchange), and the firm provides complimentary IRS Form 8824 preparation to client CPAs at the close of each exchange.
The underlying technology is workflow- and compliance-oriented rather than software-platform-oriented: secure escrow management systems, exchange documentation preparation, and deadline-tracking tools underpin the service. Funds held in escrow are protected through 100% FDIC and DIF insurance coverage, a configuration enabled by the Fidelity Bank parent relationship. Supporting offerings include a 1031 educational course for real estate professionals and a content-marketing-driven Learning Center, both designed to drive referral demand from CPAs, tax advisors, and brokers. The leadership team is small (1-10 employees) and includes President/CEO Albino Caporale (CES-designated, licensed attorney, current FEA President), VP Jennifer Leger, and VP Ruby Vargas.
Revenue is generated on a professional-services basis through fees on individual exchange transactions (Forward, Improvement, Reverse) and supplementary income from the 1031 Course. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and quotes are issued on direct consultation. The go-to-market is sales-led and consultative, relying on referrals from CPAs, tax advisors, and real estate professionals rather than self-serve digital acquisition, with the Fidelity Bank channel providing an additional institutional referral conduit.
Exchange Authority firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Exchange Authority
- Legal name
- Exchange Authority LLC
- Website
- https://exchangeauthority.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1983
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Exchange Authority is a Qualified Intermediary facilitating Section 1031 tax-deferred real estate exchanges for US real estate investors. Founded in 1983, the firm operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bank from Worcester, MA.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Exchange Authority industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Qualified Intermediary / 1031 Exchange Services
- NAICS
- Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Activities (522320), Trusts, Estates, and Agency Accounts (52592)
- SIC
- Real Estate Agents & Managers (For Others) (6531), Mortgage Bankers & Loan Correspondents (6162)
- akta.pro primary industry
- 1031 Exchange Intermediary Services (BPAJAOAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Escrow Services (BPAJAOAD), Escrow, Trust & Legal Settlement Disbursements (FSAMAKAO), Escrow, Trustee & Agency Services (Custody-Adjacent) (FSAFAHAG)
Keywords
Where Exchange Authority is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Leominster
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Exchange Authority business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Qualified Intermediary Services: Exchange Authority serves as a Qualified Intermediary (QI) for 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, holding escrow funds and managing the exchange process. Revenue is generated through fees for facilitating Forward Exchanges, Improvement (Construction) Exchanges, and Reverse Exchanges. The company also generates revenue through their 1031 Course offered to real estate agents and brokers.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
Exchange Authority product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Exchange Authority operates as a Qualified Intermediary (QI) facilitating Section 1031 tax-deferred real estate exchanges. The company holds escrow funds, prepares exchange documentation, and manages the movement of funds for Forward Exchanges, Improvement (Construction) Exchanges, and Reverse Exchanges. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bank, it provides 100% FDIC/DIF-insured fund protection and delivers services through a proprietary 4-step C.A.R.E. Process.
Product overview
Exchange Authority is a Qualified Intermediary providing Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange services as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bank. The company's primary offering is its 1031 Exchange Services, which includes Forward Exchanges, Improvement (Construction) Exchanges, and Reverse Exchanges. These core services are delivered through their proprietary 4-step C.A.R.E. Process methodology. Supporting services include complimentary IRS Form 8824 preparation for tax reporting and a 1031 Course for real estate professionals. The company operates from Worcester, MA and serves clients nationwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- 1031 Exchange Services Core Qualified Intermediary service facilitating Section 1031 tax-deferred real estate exchanges. Exchange Authority holds escrow funds, prepares exchange documentation, and manages the movement of funds for Forward, Improvement (Construction), and Reverse Exchanges for individual real estate investors seeking to defer capital gains taxes.
- Forward Exchanges Standard deferred 1031 exchange structure in which the replacement property is acquired after the relinquished property is sold, completed within the 180-day exchange period. Targeted at individual real estate investors holding investment property.
- Improvement (Construction) Exchanges 1031 exchange structure that allows taxpayers to use exchange funds for capital improvements to the replacement property, enabling customization of the acquired asset. Targeted at real estate investors building out replacement property during the exchange period.
- Reverse Exchanges 1031 exchange structure in which the replacement property is acquired before the relinquished property is sold, with Exchange Authority holding title to the replacement property until the exchange completes. Targeted at investors who must secure replacement property first.
- 1031 Course
Quantifiable outcome
- Saves CPAs 3-5 hours of work (sometimes even longer) per Form 8824 return with their draft preparation service
Companies that use Exchange Authority
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Exchange Authority technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Exchange Authority partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Fidelity BankcoreExchange Authority is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bank, operating under the Fidelity Bank LifeDesign brand promise. This affiliation ensures that client funds receive 100% coverage through FDIC and DIF insurance. The subsidiary relationship provides institutional backing and brand credibility.
- Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA)coreExchange Authority has been a member in good standing of FEA since the early 1990s. FEA is a national trade association for 1031 exchange activity. The membership provides access to legislative updates, government affairs advocacy, standards and guidelines, and collective representation to IRS, Treasury, House Ways and Means Committee, and Senate Committee. Exchange Authority's President, Albino Caporale, serves as President of FEA and has been on its Board of Directors since 2020.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights3 records
Exchange Authority competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Asset Preservation, Inc. Asset Preservation is a national qualified intermediary specializing in 1031 exchanges, including forward, reverse, and improvement structures. It competes directly with Exchange Authority in serving real estate investors and tax advisors.
- Old Republic Exchange Company: Old Republic Exchange is a national QI owned by a large title insurance underwriter. Comparable to Exchange Authority as a bank/insurance-affiliated qualified intermediary with full exchange services.
- IPX1031: IPX1031 is one of the largest national Qualified Intermediaries facilitating 1031 exchanges, offering forward, reverse, and improvement exchanges. Directly competes with Exchange Authority in the same QI service category for real estate investors nationwide.
- Equity Trust Company: Equity Trust is a major self-directed IRA custodian that also operates a large qualified intermediary business for 1031 exchanges. Comparable to Exchange Authority in serving real estate investors with tax-deferral structures and holding escrow-like exchange funds.
- First American Exchange Company: First American Exchange is a large, bank-affiliated QI offering 1031 exchange services through a national title insurance parent. It is comparable to Exchange Authority as a bank-tied QI with full-service exchange capabilities.
- 1031 Corp. 1031 Corp is a national QI offering forward, reverse, and construction exchange services. Directly comparable to Exchange Authority in core product set and target customer base of real estate investors.
- Exeter 1031 Exchange Services: Exeter is a national QI handling all major exchange types including reverse and construction exchanges. It is a direct competitor to Exchange Authority with similar service offerings and target customers.
- National 1031 Exchange Services: National 1031 Exchange Services is a regional qualified intermediary handling forward, reverse, and improvement exchanges. Comparable to Exchange Authority in service model and customer type, with a similar regional footprint.
Emerging players
- WFG National Title 1031 Services: WFG offers QI services bundled with its title and escrow platform, targeting the same real estate investor segment as Exchange Authority. It represents a partial-overlap competitor combining exchange and title services.
Broad incumbents
- Chicago Exchange Company (now part of Old Republic): Chicago Exchange was a long-standing Midwestern QI that consolidated into Old Republic Exchange. Relevant as a comparable scaled QI with deep market history similar to Exchange Authority's 40-year tenure.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Exchange Authority social profiles
Digital presenceExchange Authority financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Exchange Authority leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Exchange Authority funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Exchange Authority M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Exchange Authority
What does Exchange Authority do?
Exchange Authority operates as a Qualified Intermediary (QI) facilitating Section 1031 tax-deferred real estate exchanges. The company holds escrow funds, prepares exchange documentation, and manages the movement of funds for Forward Exchanges, Improvement (Construction) Exchanges, and Reverse Exchanges. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bank, it provides 100% FDIC/DIF-insured fund protection and delivers services through a proprietary 4-step C.A.R.E. Process.
Is Exchange Authority a public or private company?
Exchange Authority is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Exchange Authority founded?
Exchange Authority was founded in 1983. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Exchange Authority based?
Exchange Authority is headquartered in Leominster, United States, in the North America region.
How does Exchange Authority make money?
One revenue line is on record: qualified Intermediary Services.
Who are Exchange Authority's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Asset Preservation, Inc., Old Republic Exchange Company, IPX1031, Equity Trust Company, First American Exchange Company, 1031 Corp., Exeter 1031 Exchange Services and National 1031 Exchange Services. WFG National Title 1031 Services is listed as an emerging player. Chicago Exchange Company (now part of Old Republic) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Exchange Authority have an API?
No public API is recorded for Exchange Authority.
What industry is Exchange Authority in?
Exchange Authority's product category is Qualified Intermediary / 1031 Exchange Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAJAOAL, 1031 Exchange Intermediary Services, with a secondary code of BPAJAOAD, Escrow Services. Its NAICS code is 522320 and its SIC code is 6531.