Specialized and active-trading brokers
Broker Review
M1
The M1 platform dates to 2015 and is connected to Brian Barnes. Today it organizes portfolios into customizable “Pies” and combines automation with self-directed stock selection, giving it a materially different operating model from a conventional all-purpose broker. Any valuation belongs to the listed company or parent rather than automatically to the product brand. The company is privately held or not separately listed, so no public market capitalization is available.
Strengths
- Organizes portfolios into customizable “Pies” and combines automation with self-directed stock selection
Drawbacks
- At M1, the feature set that distinguishes M1 can add complexity, service charges or eligibility rules that a buy-and-hold customer may never use
Profile
What you can trade
M1 supports U.S. stocks, ETFs and listed options, with additional instruments limited to the specific disclosures and permissions of this brokerage rather than a universal product catalog.
Account types
The standard M1 relationship is a self-directed taxable account with cash or approved margin. Retirement, joint and entity registrations are offered only where the broker’s current forms permit them. The registration structure reflects the fact that the service organizes portfolios into customizable “Pies” and combines automation with self-directed stock selection.
Platform
M1 provides web and mobile account access; desktop software, APIs and third-party integrations are available only where specifically supported. The resulting workflow is tailored to a business that organizes portfolios into customizable “Pies” and combines automation with self-directed stock selection.
Who it suits
Best suited to M1 customers whose principal requirement is the capability described in this profile, rather than investors choosing a broker only because of a zero-commission headline.
Where it is offered
M1 is principally offered to eligible U.S. residents who can supply a Social Security number, domestic address and tax certification. Policies for territories, citizens living abroad and international applicants are specific to this firm.
Regulation and sources
Official website: https://m1.com/ Regulatory status should be verified through FINRA BrokerCheck, SEC/IAPD, NFA BASIC, state regulators or applicable alternative-asset disclosures. Last verified: 2026-08-11.