What is a self-directed IRA custodian?
An IRA custodian, like Pacific Premier Trust, is a highly regulated bank, credit union, or non-depository bank that is permitted to custody assets in an IRA. Both state and federal governments provide oversight to custodians and there are stringent policies, procedures, and internal controls in place.
How to Choose an IRA Custodian
At Pacific Premier Trust, we want you to feel confident about who you choose as your self-directed IRA custodian, and focus on providing the best level of service possible.
Below are a few important questions that will help you identify the right custodian for your self-directed IRA. After you’ve done the due diligence on your custodian along with your investments, you’ll be ready to put your alternative asset retirement strategy into action.
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Does the IRA Custodian Have Adequate Size, Scale and Expertise?
A custodian with a low level of assets under custody or relatively few unique positions accepted on the platform may have limited capabilities and expertise.
The size of a custodian’s business can speak volumes about their level of experience and expertise. With almost $17 billion in custodial assets, which includes approximately 40,000 unique assets and nearly 38,000 client accounts, Pacific Premier Trust has the breadth and depth of knowledge to accommodate countless types of assets1.
In addition, as the leading alternative asset custodian for clients who want to invest their retirement funds in non-exchange-traded assets, we are well-versed in the IRS rules and regulations for holding alternative assets in an IRA.
1As of 03/31/2023.
What Is the IRA Custodian’s Client Service Model?
Setting up and maintaining your self-directed IRA with a new custodian can be complex and time-consuming if you don’t have access to a responsive client service team.
Pacific Premier Trust has a dedicated client service team to guide you through the opening and funding of your account as well as answer any questions that may arise during the lifecycle of your investments.
What Is the Custodian’s Scope of Area Coverage?
Smaller, localized custodians can be focused on narrow geographic areas – so if you’re out of their area, you may have limited access to services.
Pacific Premier Trust covers the entire U.S. Wherever you are, you can open a Pacific Premier Trust self-directed IRA account and access our dedicated client service team.
What Lines of Business Does the IRA Custodian Support?
If you’re a financial professional looking for a self-directed IRA custodian for your clients, it’s important to select a custodian that has a comprehensive advisor support system in place.
Since 1989, Pacific Premier Trust has worked with advisors to help build their alternative investment businesses. Today, we are pleased to support advisors and their clients with institutional services.
Does the Custodian Specialize in a Particular Type of Alternative Asset?
Some custodians have a particular area of specialty, such as private placements, private stock, LLPs, hedge funds, LLCs, direct real estate, or exchange-traded assets. Depending on your alternative investment needs, asset specializations can be limiting.
With approximately 40,000 assets under custody, Pacific Premier Trust offers custodial expertise on a broad range of alternative assets1.
1As of 03/31/2023.
What Type of Information Security Controls Does the IRA Custodian Have?
It’s important to ensure that your custodian has adequate systems and controls in place to protect your personal and financial information.
At Pacific Premier Trust, we are committed to revolutionizing alternative asset investing and keeping information secure through technological innovation. Your personal and financial information is protected behind secure networks.
We do not sell your personal information to anyone. All Pacific Premier Trust employees are trained to be vigilant when handling personal information and to be on the lookout for any potentially fraudulent or suspicious activity.
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