As major retail brokerages begin to offer cryptocurrency futures, self-directed investors continue to have broader access to alternative assets through self-directed IRAs. Next Generation Trust Company, a full-service administrator and asset custodian for self-directed IRAs and other plans, is working with independent fee-based financial advisors to help their clients include real estate, precious metals, private placements, and other alternative investments in these accounts. CEO Jaime Raskulinecz explained the firm's approach in an article published on the company's website.
Raskulinecz noted that many financial advisors steer clients away from alternative investments because those assets fall outside their typical advisory scope. "We have found that many financial advisors turn clients away from alternative investments because those assets are not in their usual advisory wheelhouse," she said. "However, by working with Next Generation, independent fee-based advisors retain their assets under management, customary fee structure, and valued client relationships without the burden of handling asset custody, administration, and transaction execution. And because we do not offer investment advice, we never compete with advisors."
This arrangement allows advisors to expand their clients' investment options while maintaining their existing fee structure and client relationships. Next Generation handles the custody, administration, and transaction execution for alternative assets, which can be complex and time-consuming. Advisors also gain opportunities to diversify their practice and expand their own investment knowledge through increased education about alternative assets. More details about the company's advisory structure are available here.
The move comes as investor interest in alternative assets continues to grow. While some brokerages are expanding access to cryptocurrency futures, self-directed IRAs have long allowed investors to hold a wide range of alternative assets. By partnering with Next Generation, independent advisors can offer these options without becoming custodians or administrators themselves. This could lead to greater diversification in retirement portfolios and help advisors attract and retain clients seeking exposure to alternatives.
Next Generation Trust Company is chartered in South Dakota and acts strictly as a neutral, administrative third-party custodian. It does not evaluate, recommend, or endorse any investment product or strategy. Its sister firm, Next Generation Services, provides comprehensive account administration and transaction support. The company emphasizes personalized, white-glove service and educates consumers and professionals about self-directed retirement plans and the alternative assets they permit. Independent fee-based advisors interested in learning more can sign up for emails at www.NextGenerationTrust.com.
