Assess their risks, liquidity, investments, returns, timeframes and other terms
Invest in multimillion-dollar art shares
Invest in trading cards
The minimum investment required on Mintus for art investment opportunities is $3,000, with investment amounts typically ranging from $15,000 to $100,000.
Investing in Mintus carries risks such as market volatility affecting art values, limited liquidity options until the secondary market launches, potential regulatory changes impacting investment practices, operational challenges, and the subjective nature of art valuation.
Investing in trading cards on Alt involves market risk, liquidity risk, uncertainties in authentication and grading, regulatory changes, operational risks including cybersecurity threats, and risks related to the physical storage and insurance of assets.
Mintus plans to introduce a secondary market feature, which is currently marked as "coming soon". This future addition aims to enhance liquidity by allowing investors to sell their shares in artworks to other users, although it's not yet available.
Alt enhances the liquidity of trading cards through the Alt Exchange and Alt Liquid Auctions, enabling quick and efficient buying and selling of authenticated, graded cards stored in the Alt Vault. Bi-weekly auctions provide regular opportunities for transactions, while Alt Lending allows users to access cash without selling their assets.
Mintus targets an 8.9% annual growth rate for investments, though actual returns may vary due to market conditions and art performance.
Returns on trading card investments via Alt are influenced by the rarity, condition, and market demand for specific cards, making them highly variable. While some cards may see substantial appreciation, others might not perform as well, reflecting the speculative nature of alternative investments. Investors should adopt a long-term view and be prepared for fluctuations, as significant returns are possible but not guaranteed.
Investments through Mintus generally have a long-term horizon, often spanning several years, due to the nature of art appreciation and market trends. Exact duration may vary based on specific artworks and market conditions, with potential for earlier liquidity once the secondary market is introduced.
The investment time horizon for trading cards on Alt is typically long-term.
Mintus allows both individual investors and institutions to invest in artworks. Individual investors need to qualify as "high net worth individuals", "sophisticated investors", or "accredited investors" and pass an appropriateness assessment. Institutions like wealth managers and family offices should contact Mintus directly for specific investment options.
To invest on Alt, individuals must be at least 18 years old, provide a current address, a Social Security number for U.S. residents, and a valid government-issued photo ID for both U.S. and international users. Alt is inclusive of international investors, accepting payments from 76 additional countries.
The volatility of assets on Mintus, consisting of high-value artworks, is influenced by art market dynamics, economic factors, and the unique characteristics of each piece, such as rarity and provenance. These elements can cause fluctuations in art valuations, making them inherently volatile investments that require careful consideration.
Trading cards on Alt are subject to volatility due to factors like changing market demand, the rarity and condition of the cards, and broader economic trends. This niche market's limited buyer and seller base can lead to significant price fluctuations, making the value of these assets potentially change rapidly and unpredictably.
Mintus is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. This regulatory oversight ensures Mintus meets strict standards for investor protection, transparency, and market integrity, although specific audit details are not mentioned.
Alt adheres to regulatory requirements by verifying the identity of all users, a step that aligns with legal standards for financial technology platforms. Although specific audit details aren't provided, such platforms typically undergo periodic audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations and cybersecurity standards.
Details on insurance for artworks on Mintus are not explicitly mentioned. Typically, art investment platforms secure artworks against risks like damage or theft through insurance.
Alt offers insurance for trading cards stored in its vault, safeguarding investors' assets against theft, damage, and loss.
Mintus does not offer traditional dividends. Instead, investors gain returns through the appreciation and eventual sale of the artworks, receiving profits based on their share ownership.
Trading cards on Alt do not offer dividends. Instead, the potential financial benefit for investors lies in the appreciation of the asset's value over time, with returns realized through capital gains upon sale.
Investors on Mintus receive their returns after the sale of an artwork, with profits made available in their wallet. They can then choose to withdraw these funds to a bank account or reinvest in other artworks on the platform.
To get their money back, investors on Alt can sell their trading cards through the Alt Exchange or Alt Liquid Auctions. Once a sale is processed, the funds are credited to the seller's account, from which they can be withdrawn. The time and price at which cards sell may vary based on market demand and card rarity.
Fees on Mintus vary by artwork and investment structure, with all fees shown in advance in the Memorandum document available for each opportunity.
Alt charges no fees for vaulting services for cards graded by supported companies, while charging $5 for each unsupported graded and ungraded card. Sales transactions on Alt's marketplace incur a tiered selling fee based on the card's final sale price: 10% for sales up to $7,499, 8% for sales between $7,500 and $9,999, and 5% for sales of $10,000 or more.
Mintus notes that artworks don't generate income while held, so tax implications mainly stem from capital gains upon sale.
Alt supports tax reporting for investors by issuing 1099-K forms to those who meet specific criteria: being a verified Alt customer, filing taxes in the US, and receiving payments over $600 in a calendar year. This ensures compliance with tax obligations by reporting to the IRS and relevant state tax authorities.