Asset TrustAsset Trust
How it works

How self-directed IRA custody works.

A self-directed IRA lets you invest in more than stocks and mutual funds. Here's what that means, and exactly what Asset Trust does for you.

In plain words

What is a self-directed IRA?

It's a retirement account that lets you choose your own investments — like real estate, private loans, and gold — instead of being limited to the stock market.

A regular IRA at a bank or brokerage usually only holds stocks, bonds, and funds. A self-directed IRA opens the door to more. You stay in charge of every choice, and a custodian like Asset Trust holds those investments for you and keeps everything in order.

Step by step

How an investment actually happens.

  1. 1

    You direct

    You choose the investment and send us a signed direction. Every decision is yours.

  2. 2

    We hold title

    Asset Trust holds the asset safely in your IRA's name as your custodian of record.

  3. 3

    We keep records

    We track everything and file the right forms with the IRS, year after year.

More than the stock market

What can you hold in your IRA?

A lot more than most people think. A few of the most common:

  • 01

    Real estate

    Homes, land, and rentals

  • 02

    Private loans & notes

    Lend and earn interest

  • 03

    Gold & precious metals

    Held at a secure depository

  • 04

    Private companies

    LLCs and partnerships

  • 05

    Digital assets

    Bitcoin and more

You choose your investments. Asset Trust does not recommend, evaluate, or review them. We hold what you direct us to hold.

A safe, passive custodian

What we do, and what we never do.

Being “passive” keeps your money safe. We follow your directions and nothing more.

We do

  • Hold your investments in your IRA's name
  • Keep your records and statements
  • Process the transactions you direct
  • File the right forms with the IRS

We never

  • Give investment, tax, or legal advice
  • Recommend or review any investment
  • Take risks with your money
  • Take a percentage of your savings
Your online account

Everything in one simple place.

Once your account is open, you can log in any time to see what you hold, download statements and tax forms, and send us directions securely.

Sample view

Your IRA value

$128,400

In custody
  • Rental propertyAlbuquerque, NM$72,500
  • Gold & metalsDelaware Depository$31,900
  • Private note12% · 36 mo$24,000
Illustrative preview of the client portal. Sample figures.

Get on the list.

We're opening soon. Get on the list and we'll let you know the moment you can open an account.

Get on the list(505) 555-0142