Jaime Raskulinecz, CEO of Next Generation Trust Company, has published an article on her firm's website to inform independent, fee-based financial advisors about the opportunity to work with her company in enabling clients to expand their retirement portfolios with a broad array of alternative assets through self-direction. The article is a response to recent changes in the retirement plan industry, following an executive order in 2025 by President Trump that permits the inclusion of alternative assets in employer-sponsored defined contribution plans, based on plan fiduciaries' judgment. This shift has led several brokerage firms, including Charles Schwab Corp., to allow some alternative assets in 401(k) plans. In early June, Charles Schwab 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 stated, "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." The firm, founded in 2004, has long invited independent advisors to collaborate with the Next Generation team for clients interested in including alternative assets in their retirement plans. Raskulinecz highlighted several benefits for financial professionals working with her firm, including expanding clients' access to real estate, precious metals, private placements, commodities, and many more 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," said Raskulinecz. The full article is available at this link. Financial professionals can learn more about this arrangement here. Next Generation Trust Company, chartered in South Dakota, is a custodian of self-directed retirement plans, and its sister firm, Next Generation Services, provides comprehensive account administration and transaction support. The neutral third-party professionals at Next Generation expertly guide clients and their trusted advisors with personalized service for a seamless transaction experience. They also educate consumers and professionals about self-directed retirement plans and the many alternative assets these plans allow. For more information, visit www.NextGenerationTrust.com.
