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 securely 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 passive custodian

What we do, and what we never do.

Being “passive” means we hold your assets securely and follow your directions, nothing more. What you invest in, and how it performs, is always your call.

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
  • Put your money into anything you didn't direct
  • Take a percentage of your account value
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

My accounts

Traditional IRA#10024872
Sarah Investor · Traditional IRA

$128,400.00

Cash$3,250.00
Assets$125,150.00

Latest transactions

  • ContributionJun 9+$7,500.00
  • Rent · Austin, TXMay 2+$1,240.00

Make a request

Incoming Transfer

Outgoing Transfer

Rollover

Contribution

Distribution

FMV Valuation

Illustrative preview of the client portal. Sample figures.

Open your account.

Set up your self-directed IRA with Asset Trust. Talk to a real person and we'll walk you through every step.

Open an account(505) 405-2710