IRA Service Providers
Not all IRA service providers are created equal. Learn how custodians and administrators differ—and why working with a regulated custodian like STRATA Trust Company is the best choice for alternative asset custody.
STRATA distinguishes itself through a combination of experience, regulatory compliance, comprehensive services, and client-centric values.
Experience: Established in 2008, STRATA has over 350 years of collective experience in the self-directed IRA industry.
Regulatory compliance: As a Texas-chartered trust company, STRATA adheres to stringent state and federal regulations, ensuring operational compliance, data security, and risk management.
Comprehensive services: STRATA offers custody of both alternative and traditional assets, providing a wide array of investment options, including real estate, private equity, private debt, and precious metals.
Client-centric approach: Dedicated to delivering responsive, flexible, and innovative solutions tailored to individual retirement goals.
By choosing STRATA, you gain a custodian committed to empowering your financial future through experience, integrity, and unparalleled service.
| Service Attributes | STRATA | Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated onboarding support team | STRATA: Yes | Competitors: No |
| Required minimum cash balance | STRATA: $0 | Competitors: $300-500 |
| Investment processing speed | STRATA: 24-48 hours, 95% processed within 24 hrs | Competitors: 3-5 days |
| Service & responsiveness | STRATA: Responsive service from knowledgeable professionals, with 70% of staff in client-facing roles and average phone wait times <1 minute | Competitors: Generic call center support, restricted availability, and lengthy queues typically 10+ minutes |
| Pricing transparency | STRATA: Straightforward, transparent pricing | Competitors: Unclear pricing structures |
| Technology & tools | STRATA: Streamlined, user-friendly forms with simple navigation and secure online submission via ServiceNOW | Competitors: Paper-driven workflows that delay and complicate transactions |
Many investors assume that all SDIRA providers are the same, but not all providers are custodians. It’s important to know the difference before choosing where to hold your investments.
Must operate through a custodian and are not directly regulated by state or federal authorities. They cannot hold customer funds or title to assets in their own name on behalf of the accountholder.
Licensed financial institutions subject to oversight by state or federal regulators. They hold customer funds and assets, maintaining legal title on behalf of the accountholder.
Why this matters: Working directly with an IRA custodian ensures they have regulatory oversight that covers operational compliance, data security, and risk management.
Your IRA custodian should offer experience, expertise, transparent fees, and strong oversight. STRATA provides trusted custody services and specialized support to help you self-direct with confidence.
With over 350 years of collective expertise, STRATA’s team helps investors navigate self-directed IRAs while ensuring compliance with IRS rules.
STRATA specializes in the custody of traditional, alternative, and non-exchange-traded investments, offering deep knowledge across various asset classes.
STRATA provides a clear and accessible IRA fee schedule, avoiding hidden costs and ensuring investors understand their total expenses.
As a Texas-chartered trust company regulated by the Texas Department of Banking, STRATA undergoes regular audits to ensure compliance.
Explore our specialized services designed to meet the unique needs of both financial professionals and individual investors.
Diversify client portfolios: Expand investment options beyond traditional assets to include real estate, private equity, and precious metals.
Collaborative partnership: Work alongside a custodian experienced in alternative asset custody to enhance client offerings.
Educational resources: Access insights and materials to stay informed about alternative assets and the self-directed IRA market.
Efficient account management: Utilize streamlined processes for account setup and maintenance, ensuring a seamless experience.
Dedicated Support: Benefit from a team committed to assisting financial professionals with tailored solutions.
Empowered investment choices: Take control of your retirement portfolio with a wide array of alternative investment options.
Transparent fee structure: Understand all costs upfront with our clear and straightforward fee schedule.
Educational support: Access resources to enhance your understanding of self-directed IRAs and alternative investments.
Secure asset custody: Trust in a custodian with rigorous regulatory oversight and a commitment to safeguarding your assets.
Responsive customer service: Experience prompt assistance and guidance from our dedicated client services team.
Based on customer sentiment, our clients report that STRATA makes self-directed investing simpler, more responsive, and more supportive at every step.
Simple, stress-free processes – “STRATA makes complicated transactions easy to handle.”
Quick, responsive support – “When I reach out, I get answers fast.”
Confidence in every step – “I feel supported and secure managing my IRA.”
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