FranFund is a franchise-focused funding company that offers its own ROBS product under the FranPlan name. They’ve built a reputation in the franchising world for straightforward pricing, a dedicated TPA team, and a unique no-risk SafetyNet option that lets prospective clients start the rollover process before committing to setup fees.

IRA Financial takes a broader approach, serving entrepreneurs across all business types with a platform built on tax law expertise. Here’s how the two compare.

What is ROBS?

A Rollover as Business Startups (ROBS) is a legal structure that allows you to use funds from a 401(k) or traditional IRA to finance a new or existing business without paying taxes or early withdrawal penalties. The process works by rolling your retirement funds into a new 401(k) plan sponsored by a C-Corporation you establish. That plan then purchases stock in the corporation, giving your business the capital it needs to operate or grow. Because the funds are invested rather than withdrawn, no taxes or penalties are triggered. You’re using your own money to invest in your own business, debt-free. A ROBS is not a loan, so there are no interest payments or repayment schedules to worry about. It does, however, require strict compliance with IRS and Department of Labor regulations, which is why choosing an experienced provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the process.

Pricing and Fees: What You’ll Actually Pay

FranFund publishes its pricing directly on their website, which is worth acknowledging. Setup and ongoing TPA fees are listed separately and clearly. IRA Financial bundles everything into a single annual fee after setup.

Pricing pulled from company websites as of the article publish date.

IRA Financial

• $3,500 setup fee, which is $1,295 less than FranFund.
• $1,200 per year flat annual fee, billed once annually.
• Audit protection and ongoing compliance support included.
• No monthly billing and no separate TPA fee.

FranFund

• $4,795 one-time setup fee.
• $165 per month ($1,980 per year) TPA fee, required for IRS and DOL compliance and billed separately.
• Veteran discounts are available through their VetFran membership.
• Total first-year cost of $6,775, which is $2,075 more than IRA Financial.

FranFund’s TPA fee is the highest monthly fee among the providers compared here. Over five years, FranFund costs more than $5,000 more than IRA Financial. The pricing transparency is appreciated, but the total cost is hard to overlook.

Winner: IRA Financial.

Lower setup fee and nearly $800 less per year in ongoing costs. Over five years, IRA Financial saves clients more than $5,000 compared to FranFund.

Setup Process and Speed: Getting Funded

Both providers manage the full ROBS setup process. FranFund’s SafetyNet program is a standout feature worth a closer look.

IRA Financial

• Three-step setup: apply online, work with a ROBS specialist, and establish your C-Corp and 401(k).
• All documentation, fund transfers, and compliance setup handled in-house.
• Digital-first process with no paper-heavy workflows.
• ROBS specialists are available throughout to ensure proper execution.

FranFund

• 15 to 20 business day average setup timeline.
• SafetyNet program lets you start the IRA rollover at no cost before committing to setup fees. If you change your mind, there’s nothing to undo and no refund needed.
• Dedicated TPA administrator assigned post-setup for ongoing plan management.
• Attorney consultation on C-Corp and 401(k) formation is included in the setup fee.
• A broad range of qualifying retirement plan types are accepted.

FranFund’s SafetyNet is a genuinely useful feature for entrepreneurs who want to start the process without financial commitment. IRA Financial’s specialist-led process is efficient and fully in-house. Both complete a compliant ROBS setup within similar timeframes.

Winner: Tie.

FranFund’s SafetyNet option is a smart, low-risk way to start the process. IRA Financial’s streamlined specialist-led setup is equally capable. Both deliver a compliant, full-service ROBS structure.

Compliance and Ongoing Support: Staying Protected

FranFund’s dedicated TPA team is central to their ongoing compliance offering. IRA Financial combines in-house compliance with a legal foundation that runs deeper than plan administration alone.

IRA Financial

• IRS audit protection is included in the annual fee.
• In-house compliance team handles all ongoing plan administration and annual filings.
• ROBS specialists are available for questions throughout the life of your plan.
• Founded by a tax attorney, so compliance is embedded at every level of the organization.

FranFund

• Dedicated TPA administrator handles ongoing plan compliance.
• Less than 1% audit rate, with no disqualified plans during an audit.
• IRS and DOL audit assistance is included in the TPA service.
• Annual compliance testing, Form 5500 filing, and fair market value support are all included in the monthly TPA fee.
• Regular webinars help educate clients on trustee responsibilities.

FranFund’s TPA service is comprehensive and clearly defined. Their audit record is strong. IRA Financial’s legal foundation adds a layer of expertise that goes beyond plan administration, which is particularly valuable if compliance issues become complex.

Winner: IRA Financial.

FranFund’s TPA team is solid and their audit record speaks for itself. IRA Financial’s legal foundation gives it an edge when compliance questions go beyond routine administration.

Experience and Credentials: Who’s Behind the Plan?

FranFund is franchise-focused and proud of it. IRA Financial takes a broader view, grounded in tax law expertise.

IRA Financial

• Founded by Adam Bergman, an ERISA attorney with a Master’s in Taxation
• 27,000+ clients across ROBS, Solo 401(k), SDIRA, and related structures.
• Serves entrepreneurs across all business types, not just franchise buyers.
• Free educational content led by Adam Bergman, including weekly videos, podcasts, and written guides.

FranFund

• Franchise-specialist focus with strong relationships with franchise brands and the International Franchise Association.
• VetFran member, offering discounts for veteran entrepreneurs.
• Attorney consultation on formation is included in setup.
• Dedicated TPA administrator provides continuity of support post-setup.

FranFund is an excellent fit for franchise buyers who want a provider embedded in the franchise ecosystem. IRA Financial serves a wider range of entrepreneurs and brings legal expertise that FranFund’s franchise focus doesn’t replicate.

Winner: IRA Financial.

FranFund’s franchise relationships are a real advantage for franchise buyers. For everyone else, and for anyone who values legal expertise, IRA Financial is the stronger choice.

Final Thoughts: Why IRA Financial Is the Smarter Choice

FranFund is a capable ROBS provider with transparent pricing, a thoughtful SafetyNet program, and a dedicated TPA team. If you’re buying a franchise and want a provider with deep ties to the franchise industry, FranFund is worth considering.

But for most entrepreneurs, IRA Financial offers a lower total cost, deeper legal expertise, and an equally strong compliance track record without the higher monthly TPA fee.