Crowd Street Integrates IRA Setup, Expanding Private Market Access
Event summary
- Crowd Street has launched an integrated self-directed IRA account setup process within its platform, partnering with Equity Trust Company.
- The integration allows members to open and fund self-directed IRA accounts directly through Crowd Street’s platform.
- Equity Trust Company currently holds $81 billion in assets under custody and administration as of March 2026.
- Crowd Street compensates Equity Trust for purchases made by Equity Trust clients.
The big picture
Crowd Street’s move to integrate IRA setup directly into its platform addresses a significant barrier to entry for retail investors seeking access to private markets. This partnership with Equity Trust, a custodian with $81 billion AUM, signals a broader trend of democratizing access to alternative investments, but also introduces new regulatory and competitive considerations for the platform.
What we're watching
- Adoption Rate
- The success of this integration hinges on member adoption; a low uptake would suggest friction remains or that the value proposition isn't clear to Crowd Street's user base.
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- As private market access expands to retail investors through retirement accounts, increased regulatory scrutiny of custodians like Equity Trust and platforms like Crowd Street is likely.
- Competitive Response
- Other private market platforms will likely follow suit, creating pressure on Crowd Street to continually innovate its offering and maintain a competitive advantage in the self-directed IRA space.
Related topics