Alternative Assets Risk Disclosures

Alternative Assets Risk Disclosures

Alternative Assets Risk Disclosures

Last Updated: July 27, 2026

Last Updated: July 27, 2026

The information provided by Retired.com should not be interpreted or construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. It also does not constitute a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy any interest in alternative assets.

All customer accounts are self-directed. Accordingly, unless Retired.com clearly identifies a communication as an individualized recommendation, customers are solely responsible for any and all orders placed in their accounts and understand that all orders entered by them are based on their own investment decisions or the investment decisions of their duly authorized representative or agent. Consequently, any customer of Retired.com agrees that, unless otherwise agreed to in writing, neither Retired.com nor any of its employees, agents, principals or representatives (i) provide investment advice in connection with a customer account; (ii) recommend any assets, transaction or order; (iii) solicit orders; (iv) make discretionary investment decisions; or (v) produce or provide research. To the extent research materials or similar information is available through Retired.com, these materials are intended for informational and educational purposes only and they do not constitute a recommendation to enter into any alternative asset transactions or to engage in any particular investment strategies.

Digital Trust, LLC, acts as a directed custodian for self-directed retirement accounts that hold alternative assets. This means Digital Trust processes transactions only as instructed by the account holder and performs administrative, custody, and reporting functions required under federal law.

The information provided by Retired.com should not be interpreted or construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. It also does not constitute a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy any interest in alternative assets.

All customer accounts are self-directed. Accordingly, unless Retired.com clearly identifies a communication as an individualized recommendation, customers are solely responsible for any and all orders placed in their accounts and understand that all orders entered by them are based on their own investment decisions or the investment decisions of their duly authorized representative or agent. Consequently, any customer of Retired.com agrees that, unless otherwise agreed to in writing, neither Retired.com nor any of its employees, agents, principals or representatives (i) provide investment advice in connection with a customer account; (ii) recommend any assets, transaction or order; (iii) solicit orders; (iv) make discretionary investment decisions; or (v) produce or provide research. To the extent research materials or similar information is available through Retired.com, these materials are intended for informational and educational purposes only and they do not constitute a recommendation to enter into any alternative asset transactions or to engage in any particular investment strategies.

Digital Trust, LLC, acts as a directed custodian for self-directed retirement accounts that hold alternative assets. This means Digital Trust processes transactions only as instructed by the account holder and performs administrative, custody, and reporting functions required under federal law.

1. GENERAL

1. GENERAL

Investing in alternative assets is highly speculative, involving substantial risks that may not be suitable for all investors. Individuals must possess the financial capacity, sophistication, substantial experience, and willingness to bear the inherent risks of such investments, which include the possibility of losing their entire investment. Capital allocated to alternative asset investments should be discretionary and reserved solely for speculative purposes, with an understanding that past performance is not indicative of future results.

Investments in alternative assets are complex and carry unique risks, making them unsuitable for many investors. Alternative asset investments are intended for qualified investors only. Alternative assets such as real estate, hedge funds, private equity funds, and funds of funds can result in higher return potential but also higher loss potential. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances may adversely affect your investments. Before you invest in alternative investments, you should consider your overall financial situation, how much money you have to invest, your need for liquidity, and your tolerance for risk.

You acknowledge that you have completed your own due diligence and understand the risks associated with trading in and that you accept those risks. While the following is a listing of some of those risks, it is not presented as, nor should it be construed as a complete listing of potential risks.

Investing in alternative assets is highly speculative, involving substantial risks that may not be suitable for all investors. Individuals must possess the financial capacity, sophistication, substantial experience, and willingness to bear the inherent risks of such investments, which include the possibility of losing their entire investment. Capital allocated to alternative asset investments should be discretionary and reserved solely for speculative purposes, with an understanding that past performance is not indicative of future results.

Investments in alternative assets are complex and carry unique risks, making them unsuitable for many investors. Alternative asset investments are intended for qualified investors only. Alternative assets such as real estate, hedge funds, private equity funds, and funds of funds can result in higher return potential but also higher loss potential. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances may adversely affect your investments. Before you invest in alternative investments, you should consider your overall financial situation, how much money you have to invest, your need for liquidity, and your tolerance for risk.

You acknowledge that you have completed your own due diligence and understand the risks associated with trading in and that you accept those risks. While the following is a listing of some of those risks, it is not presented as, nor should it be construed as a complete listing of potential risks.

2. RISK OF ALTERNATIVE ASSET INVESTMENTS

2. RISK OF ALTERNATIVE ASSET INVESTMENTS

  • Suitability: Not all alternative asset investments are suitable for all investors. Investors must have the financial ability, sophistication/experience, and willingness to bear the risks of an investment in an alternative asset.

  • Illiquidity: This is a key characteristic of most alternative asset investments. Illiquidity means that an investor’s capital is typically committed for a long period—often many years, with an early-stage venture fund operating on a long lifespan of around 10 years—and they cannot easily execute secondary market transactions to sell their stake and get their cash back.

  • Regulatory: Alternative asset investments are typically not registered or approved by any regulatory authority and therefore are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as registered investments. For example, hedge funds and private equity funds are not subject to the regulatory requirements imposed on registered mutual funds, including that their offering documents are not subject to regulatory approval.

  • Complexity and transparency: Valuing a private alternative asset investment is more complex than checking a public stock price, as it can involve analyzing data from tens of thousands of transaction documents to benchmark terms. Effective portfolio monitoring is required because information about a private company’s performance may be less readily available, requiring deep expertise to assess its true value and risk.

  • Fees: Alternative assets investments typically have a different fee structure than mutual funds. A common model is the 2 and 20 structure, but LPs need continuous fee oversight to safeguard their negotiated terms and ensure accuracy.

  • Foreign Markets: Alternative asset investments may execute a substantial portion of their trades on non-U.S. exchanges and/or make significant investments in foreign markets. Investing in foreign markets may entail risks that differ from those associated with investments in U.S. markets.

  • Suitability: Not all alternative asset investments are suitable for all investors. Investors must have the financial ability, sophistication/experience, and willingness to bear the risks of an investment in an alternative asset.

  • Illiquidity: This is a key characteristic of most alternative asset investments. Illiquidity means that an investor’s capital is typically committed for a long period—often many years, with an early-stage venture fund operating on a long lifespan of around 10 years—and they cannot easily execute secondary market transactions to sell their stake and get their cash back.

  • Regulatory: Alternative asset investments are typically not registered or approved by any regulatory authority and therefore are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as registered investments. For example, hedge funds and private equity funds are not subject to the regulatory requirements imposed on registered mutual funds, including that their offering documents are not subject to regulatory approval.

  • Complexity and transparency: Valuing a private alternative asset investment is more complex than checking a public stock price, as it can involve analyzing data from tens of thousands of transaction documents to benchmark terms. Effective portfolio monitoring is required because information about a private company’s performance may be less readily available, requiring deep expertise to assess its true value and risk.

  • Fees: Alternative assets investments typically have a different fee structure than mutual funds. A common model is the 2 and 20 structure, but LPs need continuous fee oversight to safeguard their negotiated terms and ensure accuracy.

  • Foreign Markets: Alternative asset investments may execute a substantial portion of their trades on non-U.S. exchanges and/or make significant investments in foreign markets. Investing in foreign markets may entail risks that differ from those associated with investments in U.S. markets.

The above summary is not a complete list of the risks and other important disclosures involved in investing in alternative assets. There may be additional risks that we have not foreseen or identified. For a more comprehensive understanding, review all governing documents, including our Terms of Service and Customer Transaction Disclosure, and stay informed about the latest terms and policies. Significant changes in our terms, fee structures, or regulations will be communicated through our official channels.

You should carefully assess whether your financial standing and tolerance for risk are suitable for buying or selling alternative assets.

The above summary is not a complete list of the risks and other important disclosures involved in investing in alternative assets. There may be additional risks that we have not foreseen or identified. For a more comprehensive understanding, review all governing documents, including our Terms of Service and Customer Transaction Disclosure, and stay informed about the latest terms and policies. Significant changes in our terms, fee structures, or regulations will be communicated through our official channels.

You should carefully assess whether your financial standing and tolerance for risk are suitable for buying or selling alternative assets.

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Retired.com, LLC (“Retired.com”) is a technology platform that connects users with third-party custodians, digital wallet providers, cryptocurrency platforms, brokerage providers, and banking partners. Retired.com is not a bank, broker-dealer, exchange, custodian, or registered investment adviser, and does not provide investment, legal, or tax advice.

Investment advisory services offered through Retired Advisory, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser, pursuant to a written advisory agreement. Securities accounts are carried and cleared by Interactive Brokers LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Digital asset custody and related services are provided by Digital Trust, LLC. Banking services are provided by participating partner banks. Retired.com, LLC, Retired Advisory, LLC, Rocket Dollar Capital, LLC, and Digital Trust, LLC are wholly owned subsidiaries of WAO Fintech, LLC.

Neither the IRS nor any governmental or regulatory authority has approved or endorsed any investment or transaction available through the platform.

Investing in cryptocurrencies, digital assets, and securities involves substantial risks, including the possible loss of principal. Digital assets are highly speculative, volatile, and may become illiquid or lose value entirely. Investments are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value.

The information provided through the platform is general and educational in nature and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other professional advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. While Retired.com believes the information presented is reliable, it does not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Retired.com disclaims liability arising from reliance on such information. Users should consult their own legal, tax, and financial advisers regarding their specific circumstances.

© 2026 Retired.com. All rights reserved. Retired.com™ and the Retired.com Logo are trademarks of Retired.com, LLC. All other trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.

Retired.com, LLC (“Retired.com”) is a technology platform that connects users with third-party custodians, digital wallet providers, cryptocurrency platforms, brokerage providers, and banking partners. Retired.com is not a bank, broker-dealer, exchange, custodian, or registered investment adviser, and does not provide investment, legal, or tax advice.

Investment advisory services offered through Retired Advisory, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser, pursuant to a written advisory agreement. Securities accounts are carried and cleared by Interactive Brokers LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Digital asset custody and related services are provided by Digital Trust, LLC. Banking services are provided by participating partner banks. Retired.com, LLC, Retired Advisory, LLC, Rocket Dollar Capital, LLC, and Digital Trust, LLC are wholly owned subsidiaries of WAO Fintech, LLC.

Neither the IRS nor any governmental or regulatory authority has approved or endorsed any investment or transaction available through the platform.

Investing in cryptocurrencies, digital assets, and securities involves substantial risks, including the possible loss of principal. Digital assets are highly speculative, volatile, and may become illiquid or lose value entirely. Investments are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value.

The information provided through the platform is general and educational in nature and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other professional advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. While Retired.com believes the information presented is reliable, it does not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Retired.com disclaims liability arising from reliance on such information. Users should consult their own legal, tax, and financial advisers regarding their specific circumstances.

© 2026 Retired.com. All rights reserved. Retired.com™ and the Retired.com Logo are trademarks of Retired.com, LLC. All other trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.

Retired.com, LLC (“Retired.com”) is a technology platform that connects users with third-party custodians, digital wallet providers, cryptocurrency platforms, brokerage providers, and banking partners. Retired.com is not a bank, broker-dealer, exchange, custodian, or registered investment adviser, and does not provide investment, legal, or tax advice.

Investment advisory services offered through Retired Advisory, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser, pursuant to a written advisory agreement. Securities accounts are carried and cleared by Interactive Brokers LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Digital asset custody and related services are provided by Digital Trust, LLC. Banking services are provided by participating partner banks. Retired.com, LLC, Retired Advisory, LLC, Rocket Dollar Capital, LLC, and Digital Trust, LLC are wholly owned subsidiaries of WAO Fintech, LLC.

Neither the IRS nor any governmental or regulatory authority has approved or endorsed any investment or transaction available through the platform.

Investing in cryptocurrencies, digital assets, and securities involves substantial risks, including the possible loss of principal. Digital assets are highly speculative, volatile, and may become illiquid or lose value entirely. Investments are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value.

The information provided through the platform is general and educational in nature and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other professional advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. While Retired.com believes the information presented is reliable, it does not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Retired.com disclaims liability arising from reliance on such information. Users should consult their own legal, tax, and financial advisers regarding their specific circumstances.

© 2026 Retired.com. All rights reserved. Retired.com™ and the Retired.com Logo are trademarks of Retired.com, LLC. All other trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.