In recent years, the landscape of investment has evolved dramatically, with digital currency emerging as a prominent player. As traditional financial institutions adapt to accommodate this new asset class, investors are increasingly turning to digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a myriad of others as part of their portfolio strategy. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of investing in digital currency with a focus on cold storage wallets and the diverse array of coins you can diversify your Self-Directed IRA portfolio with.
Before diving into specific coins, it's crucial to understand the concept of cold storage wallets. Unlike hot wallets, which are connected to the internet and susceptible to hacking, cold storage wallets are offline devices that provide a higher level of security for storing digital assets. These wallets, often in the form of hardware devices or paper wallets, offer protection against cyber threats, making them an ideal choice for long-term investors looking to safeguard their holdings.
Many investors opt to hold digital currencies in their Self-Directed IRAs for tax benefits and long-term growth potential. Preferred Trust offers a selection of coins that meets the criteria for security and compliance.
Below is the list of coins that can be held in a Self-Directed IRA at Preferred Trust:
Investing in digital currency can offer lucrative opportunities for growth and diversification, but it's essential to approach it with caution and diligence. By utilizing cold storage wallets and leveraging the services of trust custodians for IRA investments, investors can mitigate risks and secure their assets for the long term. Whether you're interested in established players like Bitcoin and Ethereum or exploring newer entrants like Solana and Cardano, the world of digital currency presents a wealth of possibilities for those willing to embrace its potential.
What are the steps to get started?
Step 1: Find a custodian that is aligned with your retirement and investment goals. Only a handful of SDIRA custodians offer to custody digital currency, with Preferred Trust Company being one of those few. You will find that each custodian varies on the fees they charge, how you can invest in the digital currency, and storage of the digital asset.
Step 2: Decide how you want to invest in the digital asset. For example, at Preferred Trust Company there are two routes you can take: work with an independent digital currency broker and Preferred Trust Company to direct your investments through a standard SDIRA account or open an IRA LLC with checkbook control.
Step 3: Once you have established your SDIRA or IRA LLC account, you can rollover or transfer your assets from another qualified account and/or make a contribution to your account so you have funds to begin investing in digital currency.
Step 4: If you are working with a digital currency broker, you will work in conjunction with the broker and the SDIRA custodian to purchase, manage, and store your cryptocurrency investments. If you are managing your investments through an IRA LLC, then you can engage in a cryptocurrency exchange to buy, sell and store on your own terms.
Why invest through a digital currency broker?
A digital currency broker works in conjunction with you, the SDIRA custodian, and the cryptocurrency exchange platform. Digital currency brokers will typically work with you to choose which type of cryptocurrencies fit your digital currency investment goals. At your direction, the broker will then facilitate your investment with the SDIRA custodian and purchase the digital currency on your behalf on a cryptocurrency exchange platform.
It is important to note that because you are working through a digital currency broker and a SDIRA custodian, this adds an element of delay that could potentially affect the price of your asset when it is purchased or sold on the exchange. As with any company you choose to invest with, you should perform your due diligence and research on the digital currency broker prior to engaging in investments through them.
Why invest through an IRA LLC with checkbook control?
For the more sophisticated investor, you may be more qualified to buy and sell cryptocurrency independent of a digital currency broker. This would give you the flexibility to buy and sell more quickly, and you would avoid paying the extra brokerage commissions and fees. If you do not already have an IRA LLC set-up, there will most likely be a cost to establish the LLC and carrying costs to maintain its LLC status.
Once your IRA LLC is created you are not limited to investing in cryptocurrency, the door is open to all alternative investments allowed within a SDIRA. However, for the increased freedom there is an even greater increase in responsibility on your part. You are solely responsible for protecting your IRA from fraudulent investments and ensuring that you handle your investments per IRS regulations, including being aware of and not engaging in prohibited transactions. Engaging in a prohibited transaction, even if on accident, will lead to the disqualification of your IRA.
If you are interested in establishing an IRA LLC to achieve checkbook control over your IRA investments, Preferred Trust Company can provide this service. Click Here to learn more about the process. You may wish to seek professional legal and/or tax advice and guidance to ensure the IRA LLC is properly established and operated.
How is my digital currency stored?
Storage depends on the SDIRA custodian and if you invest through a digital currency broker or an IRA LLC. For example, at Preferred Trust Company, if you invest through a digital currency broker your cryptocurrency is stored on a ledger device*. Your “private” key will be placed in segregated, cold storage at an undisclosed depository, unbeknownst even to you to provide an additional layer of security to your asset.
When you invest through an IRA LLC, it is up to you to store your asset in a secure location, whether it be hot or cold storage through a 3rd party (it cannot be held by you personally).
* A ledger device is a cold storage wallet. These wallets are dedicated USB devices designed to store and send digital currency offline, which makes malicious attacks almost impossible. These devices have proven to be the best security for long-term investors.
What should I consider before investing in digital currency with my SDIRA?
- Your knowledge of digital currency.
- Your tolerance for risk.
- The pros and cons of investing through a digital currency broker or an IRA LLC.
- Performing due diligence on the digital currency broker.
- Although digital currency has become a mainstream use of buying goods and services, when investing in digital currency through a SDIRA it is held as an investment.
For more education, you can review IRS Notice 2014-21 which describes how existing general tax principles apply to transactions using virtual currency. The notice provides guidance in the form of answers to frequently asked questions.
If you would like to learn more about adding Digital Currency to your investment portfolio, click here to schedule a call with our Client Service Team.
