Can you invest in cryptocurrency and private equity inside the same retirement account?

Yes! With the right self-directed retirement plan, you can hold both asset classes within a single tax-advantaged structure.

Traditional brokerage IRAs limit you to stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. A Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k), however, allows you to diversify into alternative investments, including digital assets and private placements.

At IRA Financial, investors use self-directed retirement accounts to gain broader control over their retirement capital while maintaining full IRS compliance.

What Is a Self-Directed Retirement Plan?

A self-directed retirement plan expands what you can invest in.

The two most common structures are:

• Self-Directed IRA
• Self-Directed Solo 401(k)

Both allow you to invest beyond traditional markets and into:

• Cryptocurrency
• Private equity
• Precious metals
• Real estate
• Investment funds

The account remains tax advantaged. The difference is that you direct the investments.

The custodian or plan administrator ensures assets are properly titled, recorded, and reported to the IRS. You maintain control over investment decisions.

This structure empowers investors while preserving compliance.

Self-Directed IRA vs Solo 401(k): Key Differences

Choosing the right account matters.

Self-Directed IRA

• Available to most investors
• Requires a qualified custodian
• Annual contribution limits apply
• Subject to IRA prohibited transaction rules

Self-Directed Solo 401(k)

• Designed for self-employed individuals or business owners with no full-time employees
• Higher contribution limits
• May allow checkbook control
• Greater transactional flexibility

At IRA Financial, many business owners choose the Solo 401(k) for its contribution flexibility and control features.

How to Invest in Crypto Through Your Retirement Plan

A Crypto IRA is simply a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) that holds digital assets.

To invest in cryptocurrency through your retirement plan:

1. Open a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k)
2. Fund the account via rollover, transfer, or contribution
3. Select supported cryptocurrencies
4. Execute trades through approved custodial channels

IRA Financial supports digital asset investing through compliant account structures while maintaining clear reporting and transparent pricing.

Fees at IRA Financial

• $100 annual account fee
• 1% fee per crypto trade

Flat, transparent pricing helps investors understand costs upfront. There are no asset-based custody fees that increase as your account grows.

This clarity supports long-term retirement planning.

Crypto Custody and Security

In retirement accounts, security and compliance matter as much as performance.

When evaluating any crypto retirement provider, confirm:

• How private keys are secured
• Whether institutional custody partners are used
• How transactions are reconciled
• How reporting is handled

IRA Financial works within structured custody arrangements that support IRS compliance while allowing access to major digital assets.

Ownership remains inside your retirement account. Personal possession of IRA-owned crypto is not permitted under IRS rules.

How Private Equity Works Inside a Retirement Account

Private equity inside a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) can include:

• Direct investments in private companies
• Private equity funds
• Venture capital investments
• Secondary private market purchases

These investments require:

• Proper subscription agreements
• Clear titling to the retirement account
• Ongoing valuation documentation
• Handling of capital calls and distributions

IRA Financial assists investors with plan documentation and compliance support to ensure private placements are properly structured.

Managing Liquidity: Crypto and Private Equity Together

Crypto is volatile but liquid. Private equity is typically stable but illiquid.

Combining both inside a retirement account requires planning.

Best practices include:

• Maintaining a liquidity reserve for Required Minimum Distributions
• Planning for capital calls in private equity investments
• Avoiding concentration risk
• Reviewing valuation schedules

Balancing liquid and illiquid assets supports long-term stability inside a retirement plan.

Comparison: Self-Directed Retirement Providers Supporting Crypto and Private Equity

Not all custodians support both digital assets and private placements. Some focus heavily on crypto. Others focus primarily on private equity and alternative assets.

The table below highlights major self-directed retirement providers, whether they support crypto and private equity, and their general annual pricing structures.

Provider	Crypto Support	Private Equity Support	Annual Fee Structure (Approximate)	Notes
IRA Financial	Yes	Yes	$495 annually + 1% per crypto trade	Flat pricing, Solo 401(k) and checkbook control options, no asset-based fees
Equity Trust	Yes (via partners)	Yes	$249 annually + setup+ asset valuation fees	Asset-based or tiered pricing; broad alt support
Entrust Group	Yes	Yes	$219-$329 annually + set up+ asset valuation fees	Strong private placement support
Alto IRA	Yes	Limited	$150-$400 annually	Has marketplace for alt assets
Rocket Dollar	Yes (via partners)	Yes	$360-$600 annually, + set up fee	Tiered pricing, has marketplace for investments
Directed IRA	Yes	Yes	$495 annually + setup fee + asset holding fee (4+ assets) + .50% per trade	Strong alt asset focus
Directed IRA	Yes	Yes	$495 annually + setup fee + asset holding fee (4+ assets) + .50% per trade	Strong alt asset focus
BitcoinIRA	Yes	No	$0 setup fee + 2% per crypto trade + monthly account fee (.08% of assets)	Crypto-only IRA platform
iTrustCapital	Yes	No	$0 annual + 1% per crypto trade	Crypto and precious metals only, stocks coming soon

Pricing as of May 2026. Pricing subject to change. Verify directly with provider.

How to Read This Comparison

1. Asset Capability

Some providers technically allow both crypto and private equity, but the experience may differ significantly.

Crypto support may require third-party custody.

Private equity may involve manual subscription processing.

Not all platforms integrate both seamlessly.

2. Fee Structure

There are generally three models:

• Flat annual fee
• Asset-based fee (percentage of account value)
• Monthly subscription + transaction fees

Flat fees can become more cost-effective as account balances grow. Asset-based pricing increases as your portfolio grows.

3. Operational Support

Private equity requires:

• Capital call processing
• Ongoing valuation documentation
• Subscription review
• Proper titling

Crypto requires:

• Secure custody structure
• Trade execution clarity
• Reporting for IRS compliance

The right provider is not just about asset access. It’s about operational reliability.

Where IRA Financial Fits in This Landscape

• Flat annual account fee
• 1% per crypto trade
• Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401(k) structures
• Checkbook control options for Solo 401(k)s
• Support for both private equity and cryptocurrency 
• Dedicated compliance and audit protection support

Unlike asset-based pricing models, IRA Financial’s structure does not increase as account balances grow.

This pricing transparency can be especially valuable for investors holding both appreciating crypto assets and long-term private equity positions.

Key Risks and Compliance Considerations

• Prohibited transaction rules
• Disqualified person restrictions
• Proper asset titling
• Accurate valuation reporting
• Potential UBTI exposure in certain structures

Violations can jeopardize the tax-advantaged status of the account. Working with an experienced self-directed provider reduces this risk.

How to Get Started

1. Determine whether a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) fits your situation
2. Open your account with IRA Financial
3. Fund via rollover, transfer, or contribution
4. Select your crypto and private investments
5. Maintain proper documentation and liquidity planning

With the right structure, you can diversify beyond traditional markets while preserving tax advantages.

FAQ: Investing in Crypto and Private Equity Through a Retirement Plan

What self-directed retirement providers allow crypto and private equity investments?

Self-directed retirement providers that offer Self-Directed IRAs or Solo 401(k) plans can allow both cryptocurrency and private equity investments. The provider must support digital asset custody, private placement documentation, and IRS-compliant reporting. IRA Financial offers account structures that support both asset classes within tax-advantaged retirement plans.

Can I invest in crypto and private equity in the same Self-Directed IRA?

Yes. A Self-Directed IRA can hold both cryptocurrency and private equity investments, provided the custodian supports each asset type and all transactions comply with IRS rules. Proper documentation and valuation reporting are required to preserve the account’s tax-advantaged status.

What are the fees for a Crypto IRA with IRA Financial?

IRA Financial charges a flat $100 annual account fee and a 1% fee per crypto trade. This pricing structure avoids asset-based custody fees that increase as account balances grow.

Is it legal to hold cryptocurrency in a retirement account?

Yes. The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property. It can be held inside a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) as long as it’s maintained by a qualified custodian and the account follows prohibited transaction rules.

How does private equity valuation work inside a retirement account?

Private equity investments inside retirement accounts require periodic valuation documentation. Custodians may rely on issuer-provided reports or independent appraisals to reflect fair market value for reporting purposes.

What are the risks of combining crypto and private equity in a retirement plan?

Crypto carries volatility risk. Private equity carries illiquidity risk. Additional risks include prohibited transaction violations and valuation complexity. Maintaining liquidity reserves and working with an experienced provider helps mitigate these risks.