Investment Onboarding

Onboard your investment quickly and easily

For private alternative investments not yet onboarded to STRATA’s platform, the process begins with a pre-custody review. Simply submit your investment details and documentation securely online, and we’ll confirm eligibility.

How onboarding works

Three simple steps for investments not yet onboarded to STRATA’s platform:

  • Submit investment details: Tell us about the investment and submit supporting documents.

  • Custody eligibility review: Our team checks compliance with IRS rules and STRATA guidelines to confirm the asset can be held.

  • Move forward with confidence: If approved, we’ll guide you through the next steps to complete onboarding.

Average review time: 2–3 business days if all documents are complete.

Onboarding steps by asset type

Private equity

All private equity assets require a pre-custody review that includes a Representation Letter completed and signed by the investment issuer (i.e., investment sponsor, general partner, managing member, officer, or trustee) of the named investment. Investors can start the process, then forward the Representation Letter to the investment issuer to review and affirm.

To ensure a smooth investment purchase, refer to STRATA’s Private Equity Investment Checklist.

Private Stock

Invest in a privately held company by purchasing shares through your IRA. These are often early-stage startups or businesses raising capital for growth.

Get started

Private LLC

Own membership interest in a private LLC—a structure used to pool capital for real estate, cryptocurrency, or operating businesses. Managed by a member or manager, with liability protection.

Get started

Private Limited Partnership (LP)

Become a passive partner in a business or fund run by a General Partner. You’ll hold limited liability to the extent of your investment.

Get started

Next steps

Follow these steps to stay on track while your investment is under pre-custody review. If you have questions at any point, ask us anything — we’re here to help.

Step

Open your STRATA IRA

If you haven’t already, get started by opening an account. This is required before STRATA can hold your investment.

Step

Fund your IRA

Choose a rollover, transfer, or contribution to fund your account. Learn more about funding

Step

Wait for our confirmation

Once your investment is reviewed, STRATA will confirm custody eligibility and share next steps for completing the transaction.

Private debt

Some private debt assets require a pre-custody review that includes a Representation Letter completed and signed by the investment issuer (i.e., investment sponsor, general partner, managing member, officer, or trustee) of the named investment. Investors can start the process, and STRATA will send the Representation Letter to the investment issuer and confirm submission with you.

To ensure a smooth investment purchase, refer to STRATA’s Private Debt Investment Checklist.

Secured promissory note

A loan to a borrower that’s backed by collateral such as real estate or equipment. If the borrower defaults, the collateral can be seized to satisfy the debt.

Get started

Corporate debt

A loan to a business through bonds or notes. Your IRA receives interest over time and repayment of principal when the note matures.

Get started

Convertible note

A short-term loan that converts into equity. Often used by startups to raise capital, with repayment in shares instead of cash.

Get started

Next steps

Follow these steps to stay on track while your investment is under pre-custody review. If you have questions at any point, ask us anything — we’re here to help.

Step

Open your STRATA IRA

If you haven’t already, get started by opening an account. This is required before STRATA can hold your investment.

Step

Fund your IRA

Choose a rollover, transfer, or contribution to fund your account. Learn more about funding

Step

Wait for our confirmation

Once your investment is reviewed, STRATA will confirm custody eligibility and share next steps for completing the transaction.

Real estate

Some real estate assets require a pre-custody review that includes a Representation Letter completed and signed by the investment issuer (i.e., investment sponsor, general partner, managing member, officer, or trustee) of the named investment. Investors can start the process, then forward the Representation Letter to the investment issuer to review and affirm.

Investors should anticipate the IRA funding timeline in advance of any closing deadlines. To ensure a smooth investment process, review the appropriate checklist before getting started:

Real Estate Checklist

Directly owned real estate

Purchase property directly in your IRA’s name. Start with the Prohibited Transaction Self-Check to confirm eligibility, then open and fund your account. 

Get started
Private Debt Checklist

Trust deed or real estate contract

Loan IRA funds to a borrower to purchase property, secured by a trust deed or mortgage. STRATA holds legal title until the loan is paid. A Representation Letter must be submitted for custody review before the investment can proceed.

Get started
Private Equity Checklist

LLC-structured real estate offering

Invest through a private LLC that owns real estate. STRATA must review the LLC’s operating agreement and verify ownership. A completed Representation Letter is also required to confirm eligibility before purchase.

Get started

Next steps

Follow these steps to stay on track while your investment is under pre-custody review. If you have questions at any point, ask us anything — we’re here to help.

Step

Open your STRATA IRA

If you haven’t already, get started by opening an account. This is required before STRATA can hold your investment.

Step

Fund your IRA

Choose a rollover, transfer, or contribution to fund your account. Learn more about funding

Step

Wait for our confirmation

Once your investment is reviewed, STRATA will confirm custody eligibility and share next steps for completing the transaction.

Public investments

Round out your portfolio with traditional investments, like publicly traded stocks, bonds, or mutual funds within an IRA-owned brokerage account, or invest in publicly registered, non-traded LPs, LLCs, and other investments.

To get started, refer to STRATA’s Public Investment Checklist.

Public LLC, LP, or REIT

Your STRATA IRA can hold investment options registered with the SEC — including LLCs, LPs, and REITs — whether or not they’re listed on a public exchange.

Get started

IRA-owned TradeStation account

TradeStation offers STRATA IRA holders access to commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and more — plus helpful education tools. Learn about TradeStation.

Get started

IRA-owned brokerage account

You can also use another brokerage firm, provided the account is properly titled in the name of your IRA. Check with your broker to confirm.

Get started

Next steps

Follow these steps to stay on track while your investment is under pre-custody review. If you have questions at any point, ask us anything — we’re here to help.

Step

Open your STRATA IRA

If you haven’t already, get started by opening an account. This is required before STRATA can hold your investment.

Step

Fund your IRA

Choose a rollover, transfer, or contribution to fund your account. Learn more about funding

Step

Wait for our confirmation

Once your investment is reviewed, STRATA will confirm custody eligibility and share next steps for completing the transaction.

Precious metals

A self-directed IRA that holds precious metals can be an exciting way to diversify your retirement savings. Gold, silver, palladium, and platinum bullion and coins that meet federal guidelines may be held as IRA investments.

You’ll need to provide a copy of the dealer invoice and the client and dealer agreement to complete the direction instructions to STRATA.

Open and fund your STRATA IRA

You’ll need an active account with available funds before you can proceed.

Open an account

Choose your dealer

Select your preferred precious metals dealer. If the dealer doesn’t include a depository, you may be prompted to choose one separately.

Storage options

Submit investment direction

Submit the dealer invoice and a signed client and dealer agreement to let STRATA know how to proceed.

Direct my investment

A few important resources to note — before you invest

STRATA has over 350 years of expertise in the custody of alternative assets. Ask us anything if you have questions — we’re here to help.

Important resources to review:

What happens after pre-custody review?

  • Approval

    If your investment is eligible for custody, we’ll provide the next steps to move forward.

  • Further review needed

    If documents are incomplete or ineligible, we’ll work with you to resolve issues.

Tip: Having an IRA already funded speeds up the investment process. 

Need help? We're here for you

Our Client Services team is here to help—reach out for quick, personalized support.