Equity Trust Company

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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.

11/02/2026

What if your IRA could act as the lender instead of owning the asset?

Private debt, also known as private lending or promissory note investing, is one type of alternative investment that can potentially be held in a self-directed IRA. Equity Trust's John Bowens explains how these lending arrangements work, from loan terms and collateral to repayments made back into the retirement account.

Watch the full video to learn more – link in comments

Tomorrow is Halloween, otherwise known as 1031 Day. 🎃Real estate options don’t have to be scary. 👻  A 1031 exchange may ...
10/30/2026

Tomorrow is Halloween, otherwise known as 1031 Day. 🎃

Real estate options don’t have to be scary. 👻 A 1031 exchange may provide tax deferral when exchanging qualifying real estate held outside an IRA. A Self-Directed IRA offers a different approach for holding qualifying real estate inside a tax-advantaged retirement account.

Creep into how these two approaches work – link in comments

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged, but that doesn't mean markets will stay the same.Even ...
10/28/2026

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged, but that doesn't mean markets will stay the same.

Even when rates hold steady, factors like inflation, economic conditions, and investor expectations can influence investments. Different asset classes may continue to respond to these factors in different ways.

Learn how steady rates can affect investments – link in comments

10/27/2026

Could a Solo 401(k) fit into your retirement strategy?

For eligible business owners, a Solo 401(k) can offer higher contribution limits, Roth options, and the ability to invest in alternative assets. John Bowens explains how these plans work, along with eligibility requirements and administrative considerations to keep in mind.

Explore the pros and cons – link in comments

10/26/2026

Real estate investing with a self-directed IRA goes beyond traditional rental properties.

From commercial properties and vacation rentals to fix-and-flips and undeveloped land, there are several types of real estate that can potentially be held in a self-directed retirement account. Equity Trust's John Bowens explores these alternatives and how they fit into the broader world of self-directed investing.

Watch the full video to learn more – link in comments

From bake sales and raffles to our annual participation in the Greater Cleveland Heart Walk, the Equity Trust team, spon...
10/21/2026

From bake sales and raffles to our annual participation in the Greater Cleveland Heart Walk, the Equity Trust team, sponsors, and supporters came together to raise more than $115,000 for the American Heart Association.

These contributions help support heart health education, life-saving research, and community resources.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, participated, and helped make this year’s fundraising efforts possible! Learn more about the American Heart Association – link in comments.

Sponsors: Taft Law, BakerHostetler, Cohen & Co, Infinity Construction Co., Inc., Meeder Investment Management, Great Lakes Accounting & Advisory, and VisComm

RMDs come with a few key rules to know.When they begin and how they’re calculated can depend on your account and circums...
10/16/2026

RMDs come with a few key rules to know.

When they begin and how they’re calculated can depend on your account and circumstances. Understanding the timing can also help clarify what to expect when an RMD is due.

Get answers to common RMD questions – link in comments.

There’s plenty to see at the National Real Estate Investing Summit near Cincinnati, Ohio this year.Don’t miss Equity Tru...
10/14/2026

There’s plenty to see at the National Real Estate Investing Summit near Cincinnati, Ohio this year.

Don’t miss Equity Trust’s John Bowens presenting “How You Can Turn Your Retirement Plan into a Real Estate Investing Machine” on Friday, November 6 at 1:30 p.m. He’ll explore the role retirement accounts can play in real estate investing.

Plus, stop by the Equity Trust booth for a chance to win a $250 Home Depot gift card. Learn more about the National Real Estate Investing Summit – link in comments.

10/12/2026

Emotions can influence crypto trading decisions.

Max Payne of Animus joins Equity Trust's John Bowens to explain how algorithmic trading follows predefined strategies rather than reacting to short-term market movements. He also discusses how this technology is used within an Automated Crypto IRA.

Watch the full discussion – link in comments.

Let’s talk Solo 401(k)s for your clients.To all CPAs and other tax professionals, Equity Trust will be exhibiting at the...
10/07/2026

Let’s talk Solo 401(k)s for your clients.

To all CPAs and other tax professionals, Equity Trust will be exhibiting at the NATP Tax Forum October 21–22 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. Stop by our booth to learn about Solo 401(k) opportunities for eligible self-employed clients, including higher contribution limits, investment flexibility, and potential tax advantages.

Learn more about the conference and register – 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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