Next Generation Trust Company, a custodian of self-directed retirement plans, is reaching out to independent, fee-based financial advisors to broaden clients' retirement portfolios by incorporating alternative assets. In a recent article published on the firm's website, CEO Jaime Raskulinecz highlights how advisors can work with Next Generation to enable clients to self-direct their retirement accounts into assets such as real estate, precious metals, private placements, and commodities.
The article responds to recent shifts in the retirement plan industry, following a 2025 executive order by President Trump that permits the inclusion of alternative assets in employer-sponsored defined contribution plans, based on plan fiduciaries' judgment. This regulatory change has prompted several brokerage firms to allow some alternative assets in 401(k) plans. For instance, in early June, the Charles Schwab Corp. announced a proprietary platform for investing in cryptocurrency futures and the opening of dozens of offices for wealth management and registered investment advisors—moves that will directly compete with financial advisors working at the firm.
Raskulinecz noted that many financial advisors may be turning clients away from nontraditional investments due to a lack of experience or in-depth knowledge of those assets. "Although brokerage firms are greenlighting some alternatives like cryptocurrency, many financial advisors may be turning clients away from nontraditional investments because they don't have experience with or in-depth knowledge of those assets. That's why we encourage independent, fee-based advisors to work with Next Generation and help their clients diversify their portfolios with a trusted resource," she said.
Next Generation Trust Company, founded in 2004, has long invited independent advisors to collaborate with its team on behalf of clients interested in including alternative assets within their retirement plans. Raskulinecz cited several reasons for financial professionals to work with her firm: expanding clients' access to a wide range of alternative assets allowed in self-directed IRAs and other plans; the ease of working with a full-service administrator and custodian that handles asset custody, administration, and transaction execution; the ability to maintain valued client relationships and continue billing on assets held by Next Generation; and opportunities to enhance advisor income through expanded client investments.
"We are never in competition with financial advisors and look forward to showing more professionals how Next Generation's advisory structure enhances their practice, with the potential to boost their own revenue stream," added Raskulinecz. The full article is available here, and financial professionals can learn more about this arrangement here.
For independent advisors, this partnership offers a way to meet growing client demand for diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds, especially as regulatory changes make alternative assets more accessible. By leveraging Next Generation's expertise, advisors can provide clients with opportunities to invest in tangible assets like real estate and precious metals, potentially improving portfolio resilience against market volatility. This collaboration also allows advisors to retain client relationships and continue earning fees on assets under management, even when those assets are held in self-directed accounts.
The implications for the retirement planning industry are significant. As more investors seek control and diversification, the role of independent advisors in guiding clients through self-directed options becomes crucial. Next Generation Trust Company positions itself as a neutral third-party partner, offering white-glove service and education to both consumers and professionals. The firm's approach could help bridge the knowledge gap for advisors unfamiliar with alternative assets, ultimately expanding the range of investment choices available to retirement savers.
