Next Generation Trust CEO Urges Advisors to Embrace Alternative Assets

Jaime Raskulinecz, CEO of Next Generation Trust Company, has published an article on her firm's website to let independent, fee-based financial advisors know that they can work with her company to enable clients to expand their retirement portfolios to include a broad array of alternative assets through self-direction. The article is in response to recent changes in the retirement plan industry, following an executive order in 2025 by President Trump to allow the inclusion of alternative assets in employer-sponsored defined contribution plans, based on plan fiduciaries' judgment. This has led several brokerage firms to allow some alternative assets in 401(k) plans. In early June, the Charles Schwab Corp. announced a proprietary platform for investing in cryptocurrency futures along with the opening of dozens of offices for wealth management and registered investment advisors—moves that will be in direct competition with financial advisors who work at the firm.

"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," said Raskulinecz. For many years, the firm, founded in 2004, has invited independent advisors to work with the Next Generation team on behalf of clients who want to include alternative assets within their retirement plans. Among the reasons Raskulinecz cited for having financial professionals work with her firm are: 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 will handle 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. Next Generation Trust Company is a custodian of self-directed retirement plans, chartered in South Dakota. 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 as part of their white glove, personalized service for a seamless transaction experience from start to finish. 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.