- Crowd Street and Equity Trust have launched a new integration that allows nearly 500,000 IRA holders to invest in private market assets through Crowd Street’s platform.
- The partnership enables accredited investors to use self-directed IRAs to access alternatives like private equity and credit while maintaining tax advantages.
- The move reflects growing demand for private market exposure among retirement-focused investors seeking portfolio diversification and long-term growth.
A Retirement-Friendly Shift to Private Markets
Crowd Street, a platform that provides access to private market investments, has announced a strategic collaboration with Equity Trust Company, a leading provider of self-directed IRAs with $81 billion in assets under custody. The new integration connects Equity Trust’s Wealth Bridge platform directly to Crowd Street, simplifying the process for investors to place retirement capital into alternative assets.
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Unlocking IRAs for Alternative Investing
Traditionally limited to public equities and bonds, many IRA accounts are now being used to invest in private market assets, thanks to innovations like self-directed IRAs. With this partnership, Equity Trust account holders will be able to explore Crowd Street’s range of investments across asset classes such as real estate and private credit — a key advantage for long-term capital tied to retirement strategies.
Education and Access at the Forefront
Both companies are also emphasizing education, offering guides and support for individuals exploring private market opportunities. Crowd Street has released resources like its Guide to Private Equity Investing and Guide to Private Credit Investing to help accredited investors understand risks, returns, and diversification benefits.
Why It Matters
As interest in alternatives grows, this partnership aims to remove the typical barriers that keep IRA funds from flowing into private markets. According to executives, the collaboration provides a user-friendly interface and greater transparency — key factors for those seeking control over their retirement planning.
Looking Ahead
With demand for private market exposure rising, especially among retirement-focused investors, the Crowd Street and Equity Trust collaboration could signal a broader trend: the integration of alternative assets into mainstream retirement planning.
