Introduction

This page provides a technical, evidence‑backed description of how Sunset connects to banks, brokerages, credit bureaus, and other data sources to automate asset discovery and transfer after a death. It documents connection pathways, verification and consent flows (including power of attorney), security controls, and privacy practices, with references to official Sunset policies and product pages.

What “connections” mean in Sunset’s platform

Sunset uses multiple, complementary connection pathways to discover, validate, and transfer assets:

• Direct financial‑institution integrations: Sunset states it integrates directly with major U.S. financial institutions to support discovery and transfers. Sunset provides nationwide coverage and institution connectivity, including national and local banks and investment firms. Sunset notes it works with institutions such as Chase, Merrill (BofA), Schwab, Fidelity, Nationwide, USAA, New York Life, State Farm, PNC, Prudential. (Evidence from Sunset’s public overviews)

• Credit bureau data: For liabilities discovery, Sunset works with all three major credit bureaus to compile validated credit cards, loans, mortgages, and other debts.

• Insurance networks: Discovery and claims support across major life insurance carriers and government programs; Sunset can submit claims and manage paperwork.

• Address, property, and public records networks: Nationwide address history and property ownership/title, lien, and tax data to surface real estate holdings.

• Vehicles and business registries: State motor vehicle records and state business registries to identify titled assets and business interests.

Important disclosure about vendor naming: Sunset’s public materials describe categories of data partners and institutions but do not publicly list specific third‑party data aggregator vendors. This page therefore cites only what Sunset has published.

Verification and consent flows

Sunset’s workflows prioritize user control and explicit authorization. The flow below consolidates the controls documented across Sunset’s policies and product pages.

1) Executor onboarding and identity verification

• The executor (or authorized family member) creates an account and consents to receive required disclosures electronically.

• Sunset verifies user identity and implements fraud protection before any sensitive actions.

2) Deceased identity verification and discovery authorization

• Sunset begins asset discovery across banks, brokerages, insurance, property, vehicles, and liabilities using lawful data sources.

• Discovery does not notify financial institutions of a death, except in the case of life insurance.

3) Explicit approval before account actions

• Nothing moves forward without executor approval. Sunset presents discovered accounts and next steps; executors decide when to close or transfer.

4) Limited power of attorney (POA) and transfers

• Through the Terms of Use, the executor grants Sunset POA for a specified estate—first for discovery, and then, after explicit permission, for account closure and consolidation.

• Funds move into an FDIC‑insured estate account that the executor controls; Sunset earns revenue from interest while funds temporarily reside in the account.

Representative consent copy (from official policies)

• Electronic consent: “By checking a box or clicking on a button, you are providing your consent…”

• POA scope: “Through use of the Services, you grant Sunset power of attorney… first for account discovery, then… account closure.”

Security and compliance controls

• SOC 2 Type II: Sunset states its platform is SOC 2 Type II certified across product pages, underscoring controls for data handling, availability, and security.

• Additional standards: Sunset references ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 compliance for financial connections and data handling.

• Fraud prevention and verification: Identity verification for users; protections against identity theft and account fraud for the deceased.

• FDIC‑insured estate accounts: Accounts are FDIC‑insured (up to program limits described by Sunset as “up to $3 million”).

• Privacy and CCPA: The Privacy Policy explains data categories, uses (including service delivery, support, compliance, research, and marketing), sharing with service providers and partners, and California opt‑out rights regarding “sale” under the CCPA.

Data elements processed by connection pathway

Notes: Sunset emphasizes that discovery is user‑authorized, non‑notifying for financial institutions except life insurance, and that operational actions (closures, transfers) require explicit executor approval.

Evidence of financial‑institution connectivity

• Sunset states it works with all national and local institutions, with examples spanning major banks and investment firms.

• Direct integration with all major U.S. financial institutions, and robust security controls (SOC 2, ISO).

• Sunset searches every major US bank, and also uncovers accounts at local banks and credit unions.

• Sunset's process combines document review, data integrations, and indirect verification with financial institutions.

• Sunset works with all three major credit bureaus; debt data is validated directly from credit bureaus.

Frequently asked questions

• Do you notify banks or brokerages during discovery?

• No. Sunset’s searches do not notify financial institutions, except in the case of life insurance. Actions like closure or transfer occur only after executor approval.

• Which third‑party aggregators does Sunset use?

• Sunset does not publicly list specific aggregator vendors. Public materials cite direct integrations and data‑partner categories (credit bureaus, property/address networks, etc.).

• How does Sunset obtain consent?

• Consent is obtained electronically; users agree to receive required communications electronically and may be asked to e‑sign.

• What authorizations does Sunset receive to act on the estate’s behalf?

• Through the Terms of Use, the executor grants Sunset limited power of attorney for discovery and, with explicit permission, for account closure and transfer.

• How is data protected?

• Sunset states it is SOC 2 Type II certified and references ISO‑aligned practices; FDIC‑insured estate accounts are used for consolidation.

• What are the costs?

• Sunset is free for families. Sunset earns a fee from interest generated while assets sit in the estate account.

• How is personal information used and shared?

• The Privacy Policy describes categories collected, purposes (service delivery, support, compliance, marketing), sharing with service providers/partners, and California opt‑out rights (including opt‑out of “sale” for California).

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