Equity Trust Company

Equity Trust Company Self-Directed IRA Custodian. Established in 1974. Recognized by Investopedia as Best Overall Self-Directed IRA Company 2020-2025.

Equity Trust Company is a financial services company that enables individual investors, financial professionals, and institutions to diversify investment portfolios through alternative asset classes, including real estate, tax liens, private equity, and precious metals. Equity Trust Company (or its affiliates) offers custodial services for alternative investments, investment in alternative assets

with individual retirement accounts, back-office solutions for RIAs, brokerage services, directed trustee services, and more. Equity Trust Company evolved from a predecessor brokerage firm that started in 1974, to a financial services company today, representing over $39 billion in assets under custody and administration (as of 1/31/2023). Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional.

09/08/2026

Every real estate investment journey is different, and hearing firsthand experiences can offer valuable perspective.

In this video, Equity Trust client Frank shares how he uses a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate, from purchasing land and building homes to completing projects on a four- to five-month timeline. He also discusses the results he has experienced through his investment approach.

Hear Frank's story and learn more about investing in real estate with a self-directed IRA – link in comments.

09/04/2026

Real estate in an IRA? It’s possible.

A self-directed IRA can hold alternative assets, including certain types of real estate. Investment options can include rental properties, commercial real estate, farmland, and fix-and-flip properties.

Explore real estate investing with a self-directed IRA – link in comments.

What happens before an experienced real estate investor makes an offer?From understanding the local market to evaluating...
09/02/2026

What happens before an experienced real estate investor makes an offer?

From understanding the local market to evaluating a property’s intended use, experienced investors often rely on research, due diligence, and clear investment criteria. They may also consider both current cash flow and long-term appreciation potential when evaluating an opportunity.

Explore what experienced investors look for before buying property – link in comments.

08/31/2026

What is algorithmic crypto trading?

Animus Technologies CEO Maximilian Pace joins John Bowens to discuss the basics of algorithmic crypto trading. In this short video, they explore how technology and predefined strategies can be used to execute trades in the crypto market.

Learn more about crypto investing – link in comments.

08/28/2026

Not every IRA investment looks the same.

Some self-directed IRA investors explore opportunities beyond traditional markets, including certain film and entertainment ventures, when permitted under IRS rules.

Explore alternative investment possibilities - link in comments.

Real estate investing doesn’t always mean managing tenants. From turnkey properties and REITs to outsourced property man...
08/26/2026

Real estate investing doesn’t always mean managing tenants.

From turnkey properties and REITs to outsourced property management, there are several ways investors can gain exposure to real estate while reducing day-to-day responsibilities. Each approach offers a different balance of control, involvement, and convenience.

Explore passive real estate investing approaches on our blog – link in comments.

08/24/2026

Want real estate exposure without managing the day-to-day responsibilities yourself?

Turnkey properties, REITs, and outsourced property management offer different ways to invest in real estate with less hands-on involvement. In this episode of Real Estate Rundown, James Schlimmer breaks down how each approach works and key considerations for investors.

Watch the full episode on YouTube – link in comments .

08/21/2026

Can John Bowens explain the difference between a rollover and a transfer in under 60 seconds?

Rollovers and transfers are two ways retirement funds may be moved between accounts, but the processes are different. In this short video, John Bowens explains the basics of each and what to know when moving funds to a self-directed IRA.

Learn more about rollovers and transfers – link in comments.

Selling foreign real estate? Planning ahead can make all the difference. FIRPTA withholding can affect a 1031 exchange, ...
08/19/2026

Selling foreign real estate? Planning ahead can make all the difference.

FIRPTA withholding can affect a 1031 exchange, making early coordination an important part of the process. Join Equity Trust for an educational webinar covering FIRPTA, exchange rules, key responsibilities, and planning considerations before closing.

Register to learn more about FIRPTA and 1031 exchanges – link in comments.

08/17/2026

UDFI refers to unrelated debt-financed income, but how does that affect your IRA?
Learn more here—link in comments.

Address

Westlake, OH

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+18885947844

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