Invest | Self-Directed IRA

Access Alternatives with a self-directed IRA

Expand your investment strategy with private markets.

Private Markets

Invest in private equity, venture capital, and real estate with tax advantages.

Invest in private markets

Why choose a self-directed IRA?

At Alto, we believe that your retirement portfolio should work harder, and go further. That’s why we make it easy to invest in alternative assets through a self-directed IRA ( SDIRA). Whether you're interested in private equity, venture capital, pre-IPO opportunities or real estate, Alto helps you diversify beyond traditional markets with greater control and flexibility.

A self-directed IRA gives you access to a broader range of investments beyond traditional stocks and bonds, all on your terms. With Alto’s easy-to-use platform, you can:

Invest in private markets, real estate, and even pre-IPO opportunities, all from one centralized self-directed IRA platform.

About Alto IRA

Alto's self-directed IRA platform enables investors to diversify their retirement portfolios with alternative assets like private equity, venture capital, real estate, and more.

Alto acts as the IRA custodian for over $2B in assets with 32,000 self-directed IRA investors. With minimal paperwork and competitive fees, Alto simplifies access to less-correlated, high-return investments.

Investors can establish Traditional, Roth, or SEP IRAs and seamlessly invest in private markets.

Learn more about self-directed IRAs

Want to dig deeper? These top resources will help you understand the power of self-directed investing:


The INVEST Act could change who qualifies for private markets
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Congress is debating a knowledge-based pathway to private market access. Here's what the INVEST Act proposes and what investors should be doing now
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April 22, 2026
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Blog](/content/insights/the-invest-act-could-change-who-qualifies-for-private-markets/index.html)


The Department of Labor just made the IRA's 50-year head start impossible to ignore
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On March 30, that road got meaningfully shorter when the DOL published a proposed rule that would give 401(k) plan fiduciaries a formal legal safe harbor for offering alternative assets alongside traditional funds.
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April 20, 2026
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Blog](/content/insights/the-department-of-labor-just-made-the-iras-50-year-head-start-impossible-to-ignore/index.html)


IRAs in 2026: What’s changing and how to stay ahead
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A comprehensive guide to IRAs, including increased contribution limits, SECURE 2.0 Act updates, and shifting RMD rules, investors should be aware of.
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February 25, 2026
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Blog](/content/insights/iras-in-2026-whats-changing-and-how-to-stay-ahead/index.html)


Building a diversified portfolio with alternative investments
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Learn how alternative investments fit into a diversified portfolio, including their potential role across growth, income, and retirement accounts.
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February 10, 2026
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Blog](/content/insights/how-alternative-investments-fit-into-a-diversified-portfolio/index.html)


What is a self-directed IRA and how does it differ from other IRAs?
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Learn the key differences between self-directed IRAs and traditional IRAs, from asset flexibility to risk, control and regulatory considerations.
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February 5, 2026
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Blog](/content/insights/self-directed-ira-vs-traditional-ira/index.html)


From saving to strategy: New research on retirement planning
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How Americans save, why many lack a plan, and how private markets and self-directed IRAs can enhance retirement outcomes.
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January 6, 2026
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Research](/content/insights/from-saving-to-strategy-new-research-on-retirement-planning/index.html)

Ready to start investing with a self-directed IRA?

Explore the path that’s right for you:

Marketplace
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POWERED BY ALTO SECURITIES
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Invest in private markets and pre-IPO offerings
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Private Raise Portal
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Bring in and invest in your own deals](/content/private-investments/index.html)
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Partners
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Discover opportunities through our partner platforms](/content/partners/index.html)

Questions?

Well, we've got answers. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please visit our FAQ page

What is Alto Marketplace?

Alto Marketplace is provided by Alto Securities, LLC, and connects accredited investors with a curated selection of sought-after private investments, handpicked and vetted by industry veterans. Offerings will range across a variety of different asset classes including, but not limited to, private equity, venture capital, real estate, and more.

Who is Alto Securities?

Alto Securities is the wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of AltoIRA. As a broker-dealer, Alto Securities can display an array of investment offerings to you to help find the opportunities that intrigue you.

What’s the difference between Alto IRA and Alto Marketplace?

An Alto IRA is a self-directed IRA allowing investors to purchase private securities with retirement funds. Alto Marketplace allows investors to discover and invest in investment opportunities curated by the Alto Securities team.

Do I need to be accredited to participate in the Alto Marketplace?

Currently, yes, as all offerings available on our Marketplace are limited to accredited investors (AIs) only.