Private-market and alternative-investment platforms
Broker Review
Masterworks
Established in 2017, Masterworks securitizes individual artworks so investors can buy interests in paintings rather than taking physical possession. Ownership or founding is associated with Scott Lynn, which also shapes the product’s technology and distribution. It should be evaluated on the precise legal entity serving the customer, not only the consumer brand. The company is privately held or not separately listed, so no public market capitalization is available.
Strengths
- Securitizes individual artworks so investors can buy interests in paintings rather than taking physical possession
Drawbacks
- At Masterworks, investors must evaluate valuation methodology, holding periods, transfer limits and the absence of exchange liquidity
Profile
What you can trade
SEC-qualified fractional interests in individual artworks and a managed art-investment fund; secondary liquidity is limited.
Account types
Individual taxable and entity accounts; IRA custody and accredited-investor access depend on the offering. The registration structure reflects the fact that the service securitizes individual artworks so investors can buy interests in paintings rather than taking physical possession.
Platform
Masterworks 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 securitizes individual artworks so investors can buy interests in paintings rather than taking physical possession.
Who it suits
Best suited to Masterworks 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
Each Masterworks offering establishes its own eligible states and investor standard. Some deals accept non-accredited U.S. investors, while others are restricted to accredited persons or entities and remain unavailable where qualification is incomplete.
Regulation and sources
Official website: https://masterworks.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.