- January 20, 2017
- Posted by: Trent Wagner
- Categories: Company, News
This is a question that we hear often, and the simple answer to it is “Yes” – IRA funds can be used to trade futures. However, although there are some additional steps necessary to establish an IRA account to trade futures, the good news is that the process is not a difficult one. We have outlined that very process here in an effort to help investors decide if this is a viable option for them.
1 – Open a trading account with a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM)
Sounds easy, right? That’s because it is! This step is no different than if one were to open an individual trading account – the only difference here is that the trading account will be opened in the name of the IRA, not in the name of the individual (i.e., John Doe IRA vs. John Doe). The retail support personnel at FOX will help you through this step.
2 – Establish your IRA with a custodian that allows for futures trading
In order to maintain an IRA’s tax-advantaged status while trading futures, all funds must flow through a qualified IRA custodian. The custodian’s role is to open the IRA as well as to move money in or out of the trading account held by the IRA. It is important to note that not all IRA custodians allow for futures trading. If your IRA funds are currently with such a custodian, you simply need to establish a relationship with a qualified custodian and transfer the IRA funds that you intend to trade from your current IRA custodian to a qualified IRA custodian that allows for futures trading. The FOX Group can certainly refer you to a qualified custodian should you need that introduction.
3 – Fund your trading account
Once your IRA funds are with a qualified IRA custodian and you have a trading account open in the name of your IRA, you have the ability to direct the custodian to fund your trading account with your IRA funds. Once the IRA funds post to the trading account, the client or their designated futures industry professional can then begin trading the account.
