This article is a paid partnership with AccuPlan. The content was provided by the advertiser and is published for informational purposes only. Alternative investments can be complex, illiquid and higher risk than traditional investments. Returns are not guaranteed and may vary based on market conditions and individual investments.
Self-directed individual retirement accounts (IRAs) let investors hold assets beyond traditional stocks, mutual funds and bonds, allowing contributions to grow on a tax-deferred or tax-free basis. Alternative asset management platforms streamline transactions and provide administrative support, while specialized custodians hold the assets, process transactions, manage cash flow, maintain records, handle legal reporting and ensure compliance with IRS rules.
Custodians do not provide investment advice, so investors must perform thorough due diligence before making investment decisions. Below are three notable platforms that facilitate self-directed IRAs and alternative assets.
Note: Compare providers carefully and review fees, custody structures and available investment types before opening an account. Consult a financial or tax professional if you have questions about suitability, compliance or tax implications.
1. Accuplan Benefits Services
Accuplan Benefits Services is an alternative asset management platform serving individual investors and businesses that manage client assets. Located in Riverton, Utah, Accuplan uses a split custody-administration model: the company functions as a third-party administrator handling paperwork and regulatory compliance, while sister company American Estate and Trust acts as the custodian.
Accuplan highlights deep institutional experience among its staff. Many team members have more than 15 years with the company, and others exceed nine years, which contributes extensive institutional knowledge about regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Before you open an account, Accuplan’s sales and client service team will discuss your needs and help determine whether the platform supports your investment objectives. The firm emphasizes flexibility and customization, allowing account owners substantial control over asset selection and risk exposure to help preserve and grow retirement assets through alternative holdings.
Accuplan also offers API access for businesses that support clients exploring alternative investments. Its software capabilities include digitized administration, fee collection, external account linking and dividend distribution, enabling streamlined operations for advisors and platforms.
Key Features
- LLC setup support across all 50 states
- White-labeling options for partners
- Competitive, transparent pricing
2. IRA Financial
IRA Financial offers multiple custody models and a range of self-directed retirement solutions. The company works with IRA Financial Trust Company as custodian and gives clients the option to establish an LLC for “checkbook control.” It also pioneered a trust-based custody structure for self-directed IRAs.
Those custody choices suit investors who prefer hands-on control and rapid transaction capability—attributes valuable for active strategies or when timing is critical. IRA Financial emphasizes fast onboarding and streamlined account setup.
The firm introduced a mobile app and a dedicated crypto trading app called IRAfi, enabling direct ownership of cryptocurrencies and integration with Bitstamp for custody. IRAfi focuses on 1:1 cold storage, meaning private keys for assets are stored offline to reduce exposure to online threats.
IRA Financial generally charges an annual fee rather than a setup or per-transaction assessment. The company processes applications quickly and promotes a fee structure without asset value or transaction-based charges. The founder’s tax law background—especially in ERISA matters—supports the company’s emphasis on compliance and tax guidance, and many service packages include reporting and consultative support.
Key Features
- Dedicated focus on self-directed retirement accounts
- Wide selection of account types and custody options
- Online platform with full account access and management tools
3. Rocket Dollar
Rocket Dollar is an alternative asset platform that emphasizes flexibility, letting investors fund a broad range of unconventional opportunities. Its “bring your own deal” (BYOD) approach allows account holders to use retirement funds to acquire alternative investments they source themselves, enabling faster deal execution when timing matters.
BYOD is available across Rocket Dollar’s Silver, Gold and Platinum plans. The Silver tier accommodates one-off investments but requires custodian sign-off, which typically takes 48 to 72 hours. Gold and Platinum tiers provide greater autonomy: Gold includes a trust-based IRA checkbook account for direct transaction control over most alternative assets, while Platinum adds IRA trust and LLC accounts plus a solo 401(k) option—suitable for real estate investors, house flipping and other active strategies.
Rocket Dollar charges a one-time setup fee per chosen package plus a recurring monthly subscription fee for its IRA-as-a-service model. The firm holds a System and Organization Controls (SOC 2) certification, which reflects industry-standard practices for protecting customer data.
The platform also connects investors to alternative asset sponsors and partners, broadening access to offerings such as AngelList Ventures, Doorvest, Energea, Field Yield, Kraken and OneGold—enabling investors to source vetted opportunities alongside self-directed deals.
Key Features
- No percentage-based assets-under-management fees
- Predictable subscription-based pricing
- Quick account setup and onboarding
The Leading Alternative Investment Platforms at a Glance
Below is an overview of Accuplan Benefits Services, IRA Financial and Rocket Dollar, including founding years, common alternative asset types they support and a high-level view of their fee approaches.
| Platform | Year Founded | Alternative Assets | Fee Structure |
| Accuplan Benefits Services | 1985 | Cryptocurrencies, precious metals, private debt, private equity, private placements, real estate | Flat |
| IRA Financial | 2010 | Cryptocurrencies, investment funds, precious metals, private placements, real estate, tax liens and deeds | Flat |
| Rocket Dollar | 2018 | Consumer lending notes, cryptocurrencies, foreign investments, peer-to-peer lending, pre-IPO shares, precious metals, private equity, private placements, real estate, renewable energy projects | Flat |
Criteria for Choosing These Self-Directed IRA Platforms for Alternative Assets
Accuplan Benefits Services, IRA Financial and Rocket Dollar are highlighted for transparent pricing and a balance between hands-on service and digital capabilities. Key selection criteria include custody models, fee transparency, technology and integrations, customer service responsiveness, and the platform’s experience with regulatory compliance for nontraditional investments.
Choose an Alternative Asset Management Platform That Fits Your Needs
Each platform serves different investor preferences: Accuplan emphasizes longstanding institutional experience and administrative rigor; IRA Financial prioritizes trust and LLC custody options with extensive regulatory and tax expertise; Rocket Dollar offers flexible, subscription-based plans and rapid deal execution for self-sourced investments. Evaluate which provider’s features, fee structure and level of control best match your long-term retirement goals and target investment opportunities, and seek professional advice to confirm suitability for your circumstances.