public investments

Enhance your self-directed IRA with public investments

With a self-directed IRA, you can diversify your retirement portfolio by including both traditional public investments—like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds—and alternative assets, giving you greater control over your financial future.

Benefits of public investments within a self-directed IRA

Public investments encompass a variety of options registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), offering opportunities for diversification and potential growth. Incorporating these assets into your self-directed IRA (SDIRA) allows for greater control and a balanced approach to retirement planning.

  • Diversification: Spreading investments across various asset classes can mitigate risk and enhance portfolio resilience.​

  • Liquidity: Publicly traded securities often provide easier access to funds compared to some alternative investments.

  • Transparency: SEC registration ensures a level of oversight and public information, aiding informed decision-making.

Types of public investments available in an SDIRA

Within a self-directed IRA, you can incorporate various public investments to align with your financial goals.

Exchange-traded securities

  • Stocks: Ownership shares in publicly traded companies, offering potential for capital appreciation and dividends.

  • Mutual funds: Pooled investment vehicles managed by professionals, providing exposure to diversified portfolios.

  • Bonds: Fixed-income instruments issued by corporations or governments, delivering regular interest payments.

Publicly registered non-traded entities

  • Limited partnerships (LPs): Investment structures where investors share profits and losses, often in sectors like real estate or energy.

  • Limited liability companies (LLCs):  Business entities combining the benefits of corporations and partnerships, offering flexibility and limited liability.

  • Real estate investment trusts (REITs): Companies owning, operating, or financing income-producing real estate, providing a way to invest in property markets without direct ownership.

Note: While exchange-traded securities are bought and sold on public exchanges, some publicly registered entities like non-traded REITs, LPs, and LLCs are not publicly traded, affecting their liquidity and valuation.

Step

Open and fund your SDIRA

  • Start your application online.
  • Fund your account via transfer, rollover, or contribution.
Step

Establish a brokerage account

  • Ensure the brokerage account is titled in the name of STRATA Trust Company for the benefit of your IRA.
  • STRATA's tax ID should be used in place of the accountholder's social security number.
Step

Direct the purchase through STRATA

  • Establish an account with the brokerage firm of choice.
  • Submit the brokerage firm's completed application along with the appropriate Investment Direction form to STRATA to start trading. 

Important considerations and IRS regulations

Adhering to IRS guidelines is crucial to maintain the tax-advantaged status of your IRA.

  • Prohibited transactions

    Avoid engaging in transactions that benefit disqualified persons, including yourself or certain family members.

  • Unrelated business taxable income (UBTI)

    Investments in certain business activities may generate taxable income within your IRA.

  • Required minimum distributions (RMDs)

    Traditional IRAs mandate distributions starting at age 73; ensure liquidity to meet these requirements.

We're here to help you get started

Stay compliant and make the most of your self-directed IRA. Our team is ready to guide you through the process and answer your questions.