Forge Trust: Unique Highlights Overview
Forge Trust is a specialized custodian focusing on self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), enabling investors to diversify their retirement portfolios beyond traditional assets. With over 40 years of experience, the company offers custodial, administrative, and trustee services for a variety of alternative investments.
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Key Highlights:
- Diverse Investment Options: Forge Trust allows clients to invest their self-directed IRAs in a wide range of alternative assets, including:
- Real Estate
- Private Equity
- Promissory Notes
- Precious Metals
- Crowdfunding Ventures
- Other Non-Traditional Investments
- Comprehensive IRA Account Types: The company offers various IRA structures to meet different financial goals, such as:
- Traditional IRAs
- Roth IRAs
- SEP IRAs
- SIMPLE IRAs
- Client-Centric Services: Forge Trust emphasizes personalized service, providing:
- Direct assistance from experienced in-house staff
- Efficient and accurate transaction processing
- 24/7 online account access
- Competitive fee structures
- High levels of information privacy and security
- Partnerships with Financial Professionals: The company collaborates with advisors, family offices, and investment platforms to offer custom custody solutions, ensuring secure, transparent, and compliant account management.
With over $16 billion in assets under custody and more than 2.3 million accounts, Forge Trust has established itself as a trusted partner for those seeking to broaden their retirement investments through alternative assets.
What is the Forge Trust?
Forge Trust is a leading custodian of self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), providing investors with the ability to diversify their retirement savings through alternative assets.
Headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company has over 40 years of experience in offering custodial, administrative, and trustee services to both individual investors and financial professionals.
With over $16 billion in assets under custody and more than 2.3 million accounts, Forge Trust is a well-regarded name in the world of alternative investment management.
Unlike traditional financial institutions that focus on stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, Forge Trust allows clients to invest in a wide range of non-traditional assets, such as:
- Real Estate – Direct property ownership, rental properties, and land investments.
- Precious Metals – Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium that meet IRS requirements for IRA accounts.
- Private Equity and Venture Capital – Investments in startups, private companies, and crowdfunding opportunities.
- Promissory Notes – Income-generating notes secured by real assets.
- Cryptocurrency and Other Assets – Options to invest in emerging markets such as digital currencies.
Forge Trust offers several types of self-directed IRAs, including:
- Traditional IRAs – Tax-deferred growth with withdrawals taxed during retirement.
- Roth IRAs – Tax-free growth with tax-free withdrawals during retirement.
- SEP and SIMPLE IRAs – Ideal for self-employed individuals and small business owners looking for tax-advantaged retirement options.
Key Services Offered
- Account Setup and Administration
Forge Trust guides clients through the process of setting up self-directed IRA accounts and ensures all investments comply with IRS regulations. - Secure Asset Custody
The company serves as a third-party custodian responsible for securely holding assets on behalf of clients, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance. - Investment Flexibility
Forge Trust empowers investors to take control of their retirement savings by offering access to diverse investment opportunities beyond conventional stocks and bonds. - Online Account Management
Clients benefit from 24/7 access to their accounts, allowing them to monitor and manage their investments with ease. - Compliance and Documentation
Forge Trust handles regulatory reporting, tax documentation, and record-keeping, ensuring clients stay compliant with IRS requirements for alternative investments.
Why Choose Forge Trust?
Forge Trust is an attractive option for individuals who want greater control over their retirement portfolios. By enabling investments in tangible and non-traditional assets, the company offers a hedge against market volatility and inflation protection.
Additionally, Forge Trust’s partnerships with financial advisors, investment platforms, and family offices enhance its ability to deliver customized custody solutions.
Forge Trust is a trusted partner for investors seeking to diversify their retirement portfolios with alternative assets. Through its extensive experience, secure asset management, and comprehensive account services, Forge Trust has become a leading custodian in the self-directed retirement investment space.
Whether you’re interested in real estate, precious metals, or private equity, Forge Trust provides the expertise and support necessary to manage your investments with confidence.
Who are the People Behind Forge Trust?
Forge Trust, a subsidiary of Forge Global, is a non-depository trust company chartered by the State of South Dakota and regulated by the South Dakota Division of Banking.
The company specializes in providing custodial services for self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), enabling clients to invest in a wide range of alternative assets.
The leadership team of Forge Trust is integrated within the broader executive structure of Forge Global. Key figures include:
- Kelly Rodriques, Chief Executive Officer: With over 26 years of experience in building financial services companies, Kelly has previously served as CEO at PENSCO, Totality, and NOVO.
- Cathy Dondzila, Chief Accounting Officer: Bringing more than 35 years of finance and accounting experience, Cathy has held significant roles, including Chief Accounting Officer at NewRez LLC and Ocwen Financial Corporation.
- Vidya Eashwer, Chief Technology Officer: With 18+ years in fintech technology strategy, Vidya has served as Head of Technology at Intercontinental Exchange and Managing Director of IT at the New York Stock Exchange.
- Victoria Hughes, Chief People Officer: Victoria has over 20 years of leadership experience in building high-performing cultures, having been the Chief People Officer at fintech company Earnest and at AnitaB, an organization focused on advancing women in tech.
- Jennifer Phillips, Chief Revenue & Growth Officer: Jennifer has 20 years of experience scaling technology in the secondary markets space, including roles as President of SharesPost Financial Corp. and positions at Silver Lake Waterman, New Evolution Ventures, Jefferies & Co., and Merrill Lynch.
This leadership team guides Forge Trust in delivering efficient and accurate transaction processing, direct client service, and secure online account access, ensuring clients have the support needed to manage their self-directed IRAs effectively.
Does Forge Trust Offer IRA Services?
Yes, Forge Trust offers a wide range of self-directed Individual Retirement Account (IRA) services. These accounts allow investors to diversify their retirement portfolios by investing in alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, precious metals, and more.
Forge Trust provides custodial and administrative services to ensure that clients’ retirement accounts comply with IRS rules and regulations.
Types of IRAs Offered by Forge Trust
- Traditional IRA
- Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, allowing for tax-deferred growth.
- Taxes are paid upon withdrawal during retirement.
- Roth IRA
- Contributions are made with after-tax income, but withdrawals are tax-free in retirement.
- Ideal for investors expecting to be in a higher tax bracket later in life.
- SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension)
- Designed for self-employed individuals or small business owners.
- Allows higher contribution limits than traditional IRAs.
- SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees)
- Created for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees, offering both employer and employee contributions.
Investment Options for Self-Directed IRAs
Forge Trust specializes in facilitating investments in non-traditional assets. These include:
- Real Estate: Direct property ownership or rental properties.
- Precious Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium that meet IRS requirements.
- Private Equity: Investments in private companies, startups, or venture capital funds.
- Promissory Notes: Income-generating secured loans.
- Crowdfunding Ventures: Investments in alternative funding platforms.
- Cryptocurrency: Digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
By offering these alternatives, Forge Trust helps investors diversify their portfolios and potentially protect their wealth from market volatility.
How Forge Trust Supports IRA Services
- Account Setup
Forge Trust simplifies the process of establishing a self-directed IRA, guiding clients through account setup and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. - Custodial and Administrative Services
As a third-party custodian, Forge Trust securely holds clients’ assets and manages the required administrative tasks, including:- Record-keeping
- Tax reporting (e.g., Form 5498 and 1099)
- Account documentation
- Investment Flexibility
Unlike traditional IRAs that limit investments to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, Forge Trust enables clients to customize their investment strategies with alternative assets. - Secure Online Access
Clients can manage their investments through 24/7 online account access, allowing them to monitor transactions, review balances, and manage contributions easily. - IRS Compliance
Forge Trust ensures that all investments meet the requirements for tax-deferred or tax-free growth, depending on the IRA type. This helps clients avoid potential penalties or disqualification of their accounts.
Benefits of Forge Trust’s IRA Services
- Diversification: Investing in non-traditional assets helps reduce reliance on volatile stock markets.
- Tax Advantages: Depending on the IRA type, investors can benefit from tax-deferred or tax-free growth.
- Expert Support: Forge Trust’s knowledgeable staff provides guidance on account setup, investment options, and compliance matters.
- Secure Custody: The company offers secure asset management with a focus on protecting clients’ investments.
Forge Trust provides comprehensive IRA services, offering clients the opportunity to invest in a wide variety of alternative assets. With expert support, secure custody, and extensive experience, Forge Trust is a trusted partner for investors looking to diversify and protect their retirement savings through self-directed IRAs.
What Products Can You Purchase at Forge Trust?
Forge Trust serves as a custodian for a wide range of alternative investment products that clients can hold within self-directed IRAs. Although Forge Trust does not directly sell these products, it provides secure custodial services for investments in various non-traditional assets.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the types of products and investment opportunities supported by Forge Trust.
1. Real Estate
Investors can diversify their portfolios by holding real estate within a self-directed IRA. Real estate options include:
- Residential rental properties (single-family homes or apartments).
- Commercial properties (offices, retail spaces, warehouses).
- Raw land for development or long-term investment.
- Real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Real estate investments can generate rental income and capital appreciation, which grow on a tax-deferred or tax-free basis depending on the type of IRA.
2. Precious Metals
Forge Trust supports investments in IRS-approved precious metals, which provide wealth preservation and inflation protection. Eligible metals include:
- Gold (99.5% purity or higher).
- Silver (99.9% purity or higher).
- Platinum and Palladium (99.95% purity or higher).
Common investment products include gold and silver bullion bars and coins, such as American Gold Eagles and Canadian Maple Leafs.
These metals offer a hedge against market volatility and can be stored securely in IRS-approved depositories.
3. Private Equity and Venture Capital
Investors can allocate funds to private companies through Forge Trust, gaining exposure to early-stage businesses and high-growth startups. Investments may include:
- Private equity funds.
- Venture capital opportunities.
- Direct investments in non-publicly traded companies.
This option provides an opportunity for long-term growth, though it carries higher risk compared to traditional stocks and bonds.
4. Promissory Notes
Promissory notes are debt instruments that allow investors to earn a fixed income through interest payments. Forge Trust supports investments in:
- Secured notes (backed by real assets like property).
- Unsecured notes, may carry higher risk but offer higher potential returns.
This asset class appeals to investors seeking predictable, steady income from interest payments.
5. Crowdfunding and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Investments
Forge Trust allows clients to invest in crowdfunding platforms and peer-to-peer lending opportunities. These platforms often provide access to:
- Small business loans.
- Real estate crowdfunding projects.
- Startup funding rounds.
Investing through these platforms enables clients to diversify by participating in micro-loans or partial equity ownership.
6. Cryptocurrency
As digital currencies gain popularity, Forge Trust offers custodial support for cryptocurrency investments. Clients can invest in major digital assets such as:
- Bitcoin (BTC).
- Ethereum (ETH).
- Other cryptocurrencies that comply with IRS guidelines for digital asset investments.
Cryptocurrency investments are highly volatile but can offer significant growth potential for investors willing to take on greater risk.
7. Limited Partnerships and LLCs
Forge Trust allows clients to invest in limited partnerships (LPs) and limited liability companies (LLCs), which can provide exposure to various asset classes, including:
- Real estate development projects.
- Private business operations.
- Investment syndicates.
These structures offer tax advantages and potential passive income through distributions, though they may require longer holding periods.
8. Hedge Funds and Alternative Investment Funds
High-net-worth individuals and institutional investors can use self-directed IRAs to invest in hedge funds and alternative investment funds. These funds typically use advanced strategies such as:
- Arbitrage.
- Short selling.
- Leverage and derivatives trading.
Hedge funds are designed to achieve absolute returns regardless of market conditions but often require high minimum investments.
9. Foreign Investments
Forge Trust offers the flexibility to invest in foreign assets, including:
- International real estate.
- Foreign private companies.
- Overseas precious metals holdings.
This option allows for geographic diversification, which can reduce risks tied to a single country’s economic performance.
10. Tax Liens and Tax Deeds
Some investors use self-directed IRAs to purchase tax liens or tax deeds, which can yield returns through interest payments or property ownership. This strategy involves:
- Bidding on delinquent property tax liens.
- Acquiring ownership if the lien is not paid off by the property owner.
This type of investment requires due diligence to assess risk, as properties may have other financial encumbrances.
11. Commodities and Natural Resources
Forge Trust supports investments in physical commodities such as:
- Timberland.
- Oil and gas rights.
- Agricultural products.
Investing in these resources provides exposure to tangible assets that can benefit from global demand and price increases.
Forge Trust offers secure custody services for a wide range of alternative investments, allowing clients to diversify and grow their retirement savings through self-directed IRAs.
From real estate and precious metals to private equity and cryptocurrency, investors can build portfolios tailored to their financial goals. Forge Trust’s expertise, regulatory compliance, and secure custodial solutions make it a trusted partner for managing non-traditional assets.
Forge Trust Fees and Pricing:
Forge Trust provides custodial services for self-directed IRAs and alternative investments, and its fees are structured to cover account administration, asset management, and compliance reporting.
The fees can vary depending on account type, investment options, and storage requirements. Below is a detailed overview of the fees and pricing clients may encounter when working with Forge Trust.
1. Account Setup Fees
When opening a new self-directed IRA, Forge Trust may charge a one-time setup fee. This fee typically ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the type of account being established (e.g., Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or SEP IRA).
This fee covers the administrative costs associated with account creation, including documentation and compliance verification.
2. Annual Account Maintenance Fees
Forge Trust charges annual maintenance fees to cover ongoing services such as record-keeping, transaction processing, and IRS reporting (e.g., Forms 1099 and 5498).
- The fee structure may be either flat-rate (e.g., $250 per year) or asset-based, where clients are charged a percentage of their total assets under custody (e.g., 0.25% to 0.50% annually).
- Flat-rate fees provide predictability, while asset-based fees may be more suitable for clients with smaller portfolios.
3. Transaction Fees
Clients are charged fees for certain types of transactions within their self-directed IRAs. These fees typically include:
- Purchase or Sale of Assets: A fee per transaction, which can range from $25 to $100 depending on the asset type.
- Wire Transfers: Fees for outgoing or incoming wire transfers, usually around $25 per transaction.
- Account Transfers: Moving assets to or from another custodian may incur a transfer fee of $75 to $150.
These transaction fees help cover the administrative costs of processing asset purchases, sales, and transfers.
4. Asset Custody and Storage Fees
For clients investing in precious metals or other physical assets, Forge Trust may charge additional storage fees. These fees depend on the type of storage selected:
- Segregated Storage: The client’s metals are stored separately from other clients’ assets. This option typically has higher fees, ranging from $150 to $300 per year.
- Non-Segregated Storage: Assets are pooled with other clients’ metals but tracked individually. Fees are lower, often $100 to $200 per year.
Both options include full insurance coverage for stored assets, ensuring protection against theft, loss, or damage.
5. Alternative Investment Fees
Forge Trust allows investments in non-traditional assets like real estate, private equity, and promissory notes, which may require additional administrative services. Fees may include:
- Real Estate Asset Management: Fees for property-related transactions such as title transfers, property sales, or compliance checks.
- Private Placement Fees: Costs associated with investing in private equity, venture capital, or limited partnerships.
- Promissory Note Administration: Fees for managing interest payments, principal collection, and compliance reporting.
These fees vary based on the complexity of the investment and the level of documentation required.
6. Late Fees and Penalties
Clients may incur late fees or penalties for non-compliance with payment schedules or required reporting. These may include:
- Late Annual Fee Payments: Charged if the annual maintenance fee is not paid by the due date.
- IRS Reporting Penalties: If clients fail to provide necessary documentation on time, additional fees may apply to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
7. Account Termination Fees
If a client decides to close their self-directed IRA, Forge Trust may charge an account termination fee, which typically ranges from $100 to $250. This fee covers the administrative work involved in liquidating or transferring assets and finalizing account records.
8. Fee Reduction Opportunities
Clients with larger portfolios or multiple accounts may qualify for discounted fees. Additionally, Forge Trust may offer promotions or reduced fees for new clients who transfer accounts from other custodians.
Clients can contact Forge Trust directly to discuss custom fee arrangements or request a detailed fee schedule.
9. Transparent Fee Disclosure
Forge Trust emphasizes fee transparency, ensuring clients understand all charges associated with their accounts. The company provides full documentation of fees during the account setup process, helping clients make informed decisions.
Forge Trust offers a comprehensive and flexible fee structure tailored to self-directed IRA accounts and alternative investments. With fees for account setup, maintenance, transactions, and asset storage, the company ensures that clients receive secure and compliant custodial services.
By providing clear pricing and expert support, Forge Trust positions itself as a reliable partner for investors seeking to diversify their retirement portfolios. Clients are encouraged to request a personalized fee estimate based on their investment goals and account needs.
What Do Forge Trust Reviews Say?
#1. I was in a tough position, Mike from ForgeTrust gave great customer service with methodical direction. This company satisfies me, thus I will suggest it to everyone.
#2. I have not enough positive things to say about Forge Trust and Ricardo Romero’s outstanding service. Although I expected the process to be challenging and I was working under a very strict deadline, Ricardo’s professionalism and speed much exceeded my expectations.
Ricardo went above and above to guarantee everything ran perfectly from the first contact. He constantly kept me informed on the developments, responded fast to my questions, and was quite intelligent. Someone so committed and meticulous is rare.
I suggest Forge Trust if you are searching for a trustworthy business with first-rate customer service. And working with Ricardo will put you in very good hands!
#3. Maria H was quite helpful and gave first-rate customer service as I was at last closing up my IRA, where some of the accounts had been locked in bankruptcy since 2018. Maria’s advice on handling the details of shutting the IRA was quite succinct and direct. Forge Trust’s customer service professionalism makes me quite happy.
Why aren’t There Many Forge Trust Complaints?
Forge Trust has earned a reputation for providing secure and compliant custodial services, which has resulted in minimal complaints from its clients. With over 40 years of experience and billions of dollars in assets under custody, the company emphasizes transparency, security, and client satisfaction, contributing to its strong standing in the retirement and investment industry. Below are the key reasons why Forge Trust receives few complaints.
1. Focus on Regulatory Compliance
As a custodian for self-directed IRAs, Forge Trust adheres to strict IRS regulations regarding asset management, tax reporting, and investment eligibility. The company provides clients with clear instructions and ensures compliance with federal requirements, thereby reducing issues related to mismanagement or regulatory violations.
By maintaining legal and regulatory compliance, Forge Trust prevents complications that could result in penalties or account disqualification—common concerns for investors in alternative assets.
2. Transparent Fee Structure
Forge Trust emphasizes fee transparency, making clients aware of account setup, maintenance, transaction, and storage fees upfront. Clear communication about pricing helps prevent misunderstandings or hidden charges, which are a frequent source of complaints in the financial services industry.
Clients appreciate the predictability of Forge Trust’s flat-rate or asset-based fee models, which help them budget for long-term account management without surprises.
3. Broad Investment Options
Forge Trust allows clients to diversify their retirement portfolios by investing in a wide range of alternative assets, including:
- Real estate.
- Precious metals.
- Private equity.
- Promissory notes.
- Cryptocurrencies.
This flexibility allows investors to pursue opportunities that align with their financial goals, offering greater control over their retirement strategies. Satisfied clients often highlight the company’s support for non-traditional investments as a major benefit, reducing dissatisfaction related to limited investment choices.
4. Experienced Management and Staff
Forge Trust is led by a team of experienced financial professionals who bring extensive knowledge of investment management, alternative assets, and retirement accounts. The staff provides personalized support to clients, assisting with:
- Account setup and administration.
- Transaction processing.
- IRS reporting (e.g., Forms 1099 and 5498).
This expertise helps minimize errors and ensures smooth account operations, which reduces complaints related to service quality.
5. Strong Customer Support
Forge Trust offers responsive and professional customer support, ensuring that clients’ inquiries and issues are addressed promptly. Many clients praise the company’s dedicated service representatives, who guide them through the complexities of managing self-directed IRAs.
By offering timely assistance and proactive solutions, Forge Trust builds long-term client relationships, preventing dissatisfaction from escalating into formal complaints.
6. Secure Asset Custody
Forge Trust places a strong emphasis on security and asset protection, especially for clients investing in precious metals, real estate, and other tangible assets. The company partners with IRS-approved depositories to provide insured storage, reducing concerns about theft, loss, or damage.
Additionally, clients have 24/7 online access to their accounts, allowing them to monitor their investments and transactions in real-time, further enhancing their confidence in the company’s services.
7. Clear Communication of Investment Rules
Investing in a self-directed IRA involves strict rules regarding asset eligibility and tax benefits. Forge Trust educates its clients on these requirements, helping them avoid prohibited transactions and penalties. By offering ongoing support and compliance guidance, Forge Trust helps clients make informed decisions, preventing issues that could lead to complaints.
8. Minimal Hidden Risks
Many complaints in the investment industry arise from clients not fully understanding the risks of alternative assets. Forge Trust ensures that clients are aware of:
- The potential volatility of their investments (e.g., cryptocurrencies, private equity).
- The due diligence required for certain investments (e.g., real estate or crowdfunding).
By setting realistic expectations, Forge Trust reduces the likelihood of complaints related to unexpected investment outcomes.
9. Positive Industry Reputation
Forge Trust has developed a strong reputation in the financial services sector, earning trust from individual investors, financial advisors, and investment platforms. This reputation is supported by:
- Long-standing client relationships.
- Partnerships with financial professionals.
- A proven track record in managing billions of dollars in assets.
Satisfied clients often refer others to the company, which helps maintain a positive reputation and minimizes negative feedback.
10. Proactive Issue Resolution
In the rare cases where issues arise, Forge Trust is known for its efficient problem-solving. The company works quickly to address complaints related to account management, transactions, or compliance. This proactive approach helps prevent small concerns from escalating into formal disputes.
Forge Trust’s commitment to transparency, security, and customer service has earned it a low complaint rate.
By offering diverse investment options, maintaining regulatory compliance, and providing personalized support, the company meets the needs of clients seeking to diversify and protect their retirement savings. Forge Trust’s strong reputation and client-centric approach make it a trusted partner in the world of self-directed IRAs.
Are There Any Forge Trust Lawsuits?
As of now, there are no publicly reported lawsuits against Forge Trust. This is a testament to the company’s strong commitment to ethical business practices, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. Operating for over 40 years, Forge Trust has successfully maintained a positive reputation by providing secure custodial services for self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and other investment solutions.
Here are some reasons why Forge Trust has avoided legal issues and disputes:
1. Strict Regulatory Compliance
Forge Trust is regulated by the South Dakota Division of Banking, which enforces strict guidelines on how custodians manage retirement accounts. The company adheres to IRS rules and regulations regarding self-directed IRAs, ensuring that clients’ investments meet eligibility requirements and comply with federal law.
This focus on regulatory compliance helps prevent legal issues related to mismanagement or non-compliance with tax laws, which are common pitfalls for some financial institutions.
2. Transparent Business Practices
Forge Trust emphasizes transparency in all aspects of its services. Clients are provided with clear, upfront information regarding:
- Fees and pricing (account setup, transaction, and storage fees).
- Investment options and eligibility.
- IRS compliance requirements for alternative investments.
By maintaining transparency, the company minimizes misunderstandings, which are often the source of legal complaints in the financial sector.
3. Strong Focus on Security and Asset Protection
One of the key strengths of Forge Trust is its commitment to security. The company ensures that client assets—including real estate, precious metals, and private equity—are securely managed and protected.
For physical assets like precious metals, Forge Trust partners with insured, IRS-approved depositories, reducing risks of theft or loss.
This focus on security helps prevent disputes related to asset handling or custodial responsibilities.
4. Experienced Leadership and Management
Forge Trust’s leadership team consists of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in investment management, alternative assets, and retirement planning. Their knowledge and expertise help ensure that all client services are executed efficiently and in compliance with applicable laws.
This strong foundation of expertise enables the company to operate smoothly without facing legal challenges.
5. Strong Customer Support and Issue Resolution
Forge Trust prioritizes client support and proactive issue resolution, which helps prevent dissatisfaction from escalating into legal disputes. The company provides:
- Personalized customer service to assist with account management and investment queries.
- Timely handling of client concerns regarding transactions or regulatory compliance.
- 24/7 online account access, allows clients to stay informed and manage their investments transparently.
By addressing client concerns promptly, Forge Trust reduces the likelihood of formal complaints or lawsuits.
6. Positive Reputation and Industry Trust
Forge Trust has built a positive reputation within the investment and financial services community. With billions of dollars in assets under custody and partnerships with financial advisors, platforms, and institutional investors, the company is widely respected for its reliability and integrity.
The trust it has earned in the industry reflects a consistent track record of ethical and compliant business practices, further preventing legal issues.
7. Long-Term Client Relationships
Many of Forge Trust’s clients have maintained long-term relationships with the company due to its commitment to high-quality service and compliance-driven operations. By fostering trust and loyalty, Forge Trust reduces the chances of client dissatisfaction leading to legal actions.
Forge Trust’s absence of lawsuits demonstrates its commitment to transparency, compliance, security, and customer service.
Through strong regulatory adherence, personalized support, and secure asset management, the company has earned a reputation as a trusted custodian for self-directed IRAs.
Its dedication to ethical business practices and proactive issue resolution ensures that Forge Trust continues to operate without legal disputes, providing peace of mind to both individual and institutional clients.
Can You Trust Forge Trust? Is Forge Trust Legit?
Yes,
They are reputable gold dealers with vast experience.
Before working with a precious metals company, do your research.
Here are some tips to ensure a gold IRA company’s legality:
Tip #1: Check Their Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation
Check for proper licensing and registration with relevant financial regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Verify the company’s accreditation with industry organizations like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
It will help you check how credible they are.
Tip #2: Look into The Company’s Background
- Research the company’s history, including years in business and any name changes.
- Examine the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and accreditation status.
- Review customer feedback on reputable third-party review sites like Trustpilot or Consumer Affairs.
Tip #3: Does the Company Offer Good Resources?
- Assess the clarity of information provided about fees, storage options, and buyback policies.
- Evaluate the quality and depth of educational resources offered to investors.
- Verify that the company provides clear information about IRS regulations regarding precious metals IRAs.
Tip #4: What are Their Product Offerings and Pricing?
- Ensure the company offers IRS-approved precious metals for IRA investments.
- Compare pricing with other reputable dealers to ensure competitiveness.
- Be wary of companies pushing numismatic or collectible coins over bullion for IRA investments.
Tip #5: Confirm the Storage and Custodian Partnerships
Verify that the company works with IRS-approved custodians and secure storage facilities. According to IRS’ regulations, you cannot store your gold IRA’s precious metals at your home.
You’ll need a certified third-party storage provider.
Check the company’s storage and custodian partner to ensure you’re working with a reliable firm. Moreover, ensure they offer segregated storage options for your precious metals.
Segregated storage means your owned precious metals products will be stored separately from other investors’ possessions. Similarly, non-segregated storage means your products will be stored along with others.
Keep in mind that storage providers charge extra for segregated storage.
Some popular custodians include Equity Trust and Goldstar Trust.
Red Flags to Watch For in Gold IRA Companies
- Promises of guaranteed returns or claims of “secret” investment strategies.
- Pressure to act immediately or make large investments without proper consideration.
- Lack of physical address or unclear company ownership structure.
- Unwillingness to provide detailed information about fees or policies in writing.
By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, investors can make an informed decision about the legitimacy and reliability of a gold IRA company. It’s crucial to conduct due diligence and, if necessary, consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Forge Trust Review Summary:
Forge Trust is a leading custodian for self-directed IRAs, specializing in alternative investments such as real estate, precious metals, private equity, promissory notes, and cryptocurrencies.
With over 40 years of experience, the company has grown to manage $16 billion in assets under custody across 2.3 million accounts. Forge Trust’s strong emphasis on compliance, security, and customer satisfaction has earned it a positive reputation in the financial services industry.
One of Forge Trust’s key strengths is its investment flexibility. Unlike traditional IRA custodians, Forge Trust allows clients to diversify their portfolios by investing in non-traditional assets.
This is particularly attractive to investors seeking to hedge against market volatility and inflation through tangible and alternative investments.
Forge Trust also prioritizes regulatory compliance, adhering to IRS rules and working with IRS-approved depositories for the secure storage of physical assets like gold and silver.
The company provides clear and transparent fee structures, including account setup, annual maintenance, transaction, and storage fees, to ensure clients understand the costs associated with their investments.
Clients benefit from 24/7 online access to their accounts, enabling them to monitor their investments and transactions with ease.
The company’s dedicated customer support team offers personalized assistance, helping clients navigate the complexities of managing self-directed IRAs and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.
Forge Trust is led by experienced professionals who bring extensive expertise in investment management, alternative assets, and financial services. This strong leadership foundation ensures that the company continues to provide reliable and secure custodial services.
Thus, Forge Trust offers comprehensive, secure, and compliant custodial services for those looking to diversify their retirement savings through alternative investments. With its investment flexibility, transparent pricing, and strong customer support, Forge Trust is a trusted partner for self-directed IRA investors.
Whether you are investing in real estate, precious metals, private equity, or digital assets, Forge Trust provides the tools and expertise needed to manage your investments with confidence.
