Modern Infrastructure for Private Art Transactions
Execute Private Art Transactions with Modern Infrastructure
CounterA brings private art transactions into the modern era with a secure platform built for how deals are actually executed today.
Private art deals now involve multiple entities, cross-border payments, verification requirements, and complex logistics. CounterA enables transactions to move through a structured execution environment.
When Advisors Become the Transaction Office
Private art transactions are no longer simple exchanges between two trusted parties.
In practice, advisors are often expected to coordinate verification, documentation, payment logistics, and delivery themselves — effectively acting as the transaction office while maintaining a seamless client experience.
The commercial negotiation may be straightforward.
The execution rarely is.
In other asset classes, transactions that carry this level of complexity move through established execution systems — escrow, settlement agents, compliance frameworks, and structured payment processes.
The art market never developed an equivalent execution layer.
CounterA provides that infrastructure for private art transactions. It creates a secure environment where commercial terms, identity verification, payment coordination, and settlement records are structured in one place — while the advisor remains the commercial lead and retains full control of the client relationship.
How a Private Art Transaction Moves Through CounterA
CounterA structures the transaction from mandate through settlement so every step of the deal is coordinated, verified, and recorded.
Object Integrity
Artwork intake, documentation, and factsheet creation.
Commercial Terms
Deal structure, commissions, restrictions.
Compliance & Identity
Identity verification and jurisdictional risk checks.
Payment & Coordination
Structured payment flow and delivery milestones.
Settlement Record
Confirmed close with a complete, exportable transaction file.
A single source of deal truth.
Every step is logged and visible to verified participants, creating a permanent record of the transaction.
Why Art Market Professionals Use CounterA
Advisors remain the commercial lead
CounterA supports the execution of the transaction without inserting itself into the commercial relationship. Advisors retain control of the client relationship, negotiation, and deal structure.
Professional transaction infrastructure
Verification, documentation, payment coordination, and settlement records move through a structured execution environment rather than open email chains and fragmented workflows.
Reduced operational exposure
CounterA helps ensure that identity checks, transaction records, and payment coordination are handled within a structured system rather than relying on the advisor to manage these processes independently.
A clearer experience for clients
Collectors increasingly expect transactions to be handled with the same professionalism and structure they see in other asset classes. CounterA provides that environment while preserving the advisor’s role.
Your Brand. Full Control
CounterA operates behind the scenes of the transaction. Advisors remain the commercial lead of the deal and retain full control of the client relationship.
The platform provides the infrastructure that supports the execution of the deal — allowing advisors to maintain a seamless, professional experience for their clients while the operational requirements of the transaction are handled within a structured environment.
Built by Art Market and Infrastructure Leaders
CounterA was founded by Amanda Lo Iacono, former Deputy CEO of Phillips, where she oversaw more than $1B in annual sales operations.
Engineering is led by Ross Paul, former CTO of Phillips and 1stDibs, bringing deep experience in building high-trust technology platforms for the art market.
Together they combine decades of experience across art transactions, financial infrastructure, and marketplace technology.
Join the Pilot
Join the Pilot
Currently onboarding select advisors and galleries for Q1 2026.