Self-Directed Individual 401(k)s
A powerful retirement plan for eligible self-employed individuals and business owners. Exeter Trust Company provides self-directed Individual 401(k) custody for investors who want greater control and access to qualifying alternative investments.
Speak With a SpecialistPut your business and retirement strategy to work together.
More Control for Self-Employed Retirement Investors
An Individual 401(k), often called a Solo 401(k), Solo-K or owner-only 401(k), can provide eligible business owners with a flexible retirement structure and access to self-directed investment opportunities.
Business Owner Focused
Designed for eligible businesses without common-law employees other than a spouse.
Investor Directed
You select and evaluate the investments held within the retirement plan.
Alternative Assets
Access qualifying investments beyond traditional publicly traded securities.
Regulated Custodian
Exeter Trust Company is licensed, regulated and audited by the Wyoming Division of Banking.
What Is a Self-Directed Individual 401(k)?
An Individual 401(k) is a qualified retirement plan intended for eligible self-employed individuals and owner-only businesses. It can provide business owners with a retirement plan structure that allows them to direct how plan assets are invested.
With a self-directed structure, the plan can hold qualifying alternative investments that may not be available through conventional brokerage-based retirement platforms.
A retirement plan designed around the owner.
For eligible self-employed investors and business owners, an Individual 401(k) can combine retirement planning flexibility with greater control over investment selection.
Is an Individual 401(k) Right for Your Business?
The structure is commonly considered by eligible self-employed individuals and closely held businesses where the owner wants greater control over retirement assets.
Self-Employed Professionals
Independent professionals and consultants who operate an eligible business and do not employ common-law employees.
Owner-Only Businesses
Eligible sole proprietorships, corporations, partnerships and other closely held business structures with no qualifying common-law employees.
Owner and Spouse Businesses
Eligible businesses where the only participating employees are the owner and the owner's spouse.
Invest Beyond Traditional Stocks and Bonds
A self-directed Individual 401(k) can provide access to qualifying alternative assets that many conventional retirement plan providers do not administer.
Real Estate
Direct real estate and other qualifying real estate-related investments.
Private Funds
Qualifying private investment funds and privately offered investment structures.
Private Companies
Qualifying investments in privately held businesses, subject to applicable retirement plan rules.
Other Alternatives
Additional qualifying alternative investments Exeter Trust Company is able to custody and administer.
From Business Owner to Self-Directed Investor
Establishing an Individual 401(k) requires the appropriate plan structure, account setup and funding strategy for your circumstances.
Confirm Eligibility
Determine with your legal, tax or retirement plan advisor whether your business and employment structure are eligible for an Individual 401(k).
Establish the Plan
Complete the appropriate plan and custody documents to establish your Individual 401(k) and related account structure.
Fund and Invest
Fund the plan through eligible contributions, transfers or rollovers, then direct qualifying investments consistent with applicable plan rules.
A Custodian Built for Self-Directed Retirement Investors
Exeter combines alternative-asset administration experience with direct custody through a regulated trust company.
Direct Custodian
Work directly with Exeter Trust Company for custody and administration of plan assets.
Alternative Asset Experience
Experience processing and administering a range of qualifying non-traditional investments.
Competitive Fees
A straightforward custody model designed to provide strong value for self-directed investors.
Licensed & Regulated
Exeter Trust Company is licensed, regulated and audited by the Wyoming Division of Banking.
Self-Direction Comes With Responsibility
Individual 401(k) plans and their investments are subject to federal tax, retirement plan and prohibited transaction rules. Greater investment flexibility does not eliminate the need to follow applicable plan requirements.
Plan sponsors and participants are responsible for understanding their plan, maintaining eligibility and evaluating investments before directing a transaction.
Before establishing or investing through an Individual 401(k):
Understand the Responsibilities and Risks
Client-Directed Investments
Clients are responsible for evaluating and selecting investments. Exeter Trust Company does not provide, offer, sell, recommend or endorse investments or investment sponsors.
Not Guaranteed or Insured
Investments held in self-directed retirement plans are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC, any government or regulatory agency, or Exeter Trust Company.
Investment Risk
Investments may result in loss of principal. Investors and their advisors should thoroughly research and understand investment risks before proceeding.
Talk With an Individual 401(k) Specialist.
Learn how Exeter Trust Company can help eligible self-employed individuals and business owners establish and administer a self-directed Individual 401(k).