About IRA Research Hub
IRA Research Hub is an independent financial research publication dedicated to helping everyday investors navigate the complex and often opaque landscape of self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) — from cryptocurrency IRAs to precious metals IRAs.
Our Mission
"To provide retail investors with the same quality of research and analysis that institutional investors take for granted — clear, objective, and data-driven — so that every American can make an informed decision about their retirement savings."
The self-directed IRA market is worth over $2 trillion, yet most retail investors receive their information from providers with a direct financial interest in the outcome. We exist to change that. Our editorial team conducts independent research, analysis, and testing of providers across both the Crypto IRA and Precious Metals IRA markets, publishing findings that are grounded in data — not commissions.
We are not affiliated with any IRA provider, custodian, or financial institution. Where we do earn affiliate compensation, it is clearly disclosed and does not influence our editorial ratings or rankings.
Editorial Guidelines
Our editorial process is built on four principles that govern every review, ranking, and piece of analysis we publish:
Independence
Our editorial team operates independently of our commercial team. Affiliate relationships are disclosed but never influence scores, rankings, or editorial copy.
Transparency
Every score we publish is derived from a documented, weighted methodology. We publish our scoring framework openly so readers can evaluate our reasoning.
Accuracy
Fee data, regulatory status, and custody details are verified directly against provider websites, SEC filings, and BBB records. We update reviews when data changes.
Fairness
All providers are evaluated against the same criteria. We do not accept payment for positive reviews, and we publish negative findings when the data supports them.
How We Score Providers
Each provider is evaluated across six weighted dimensions. Scores are assigned on a 0–10 scale and combined into a single overall rating using the weights below. The full methodology is documented on our Methodology page.
| Dimension | Weight | What We Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Transparency | 20% | Setup, annual, and transaction fees vs. industry benchmarks |
| Asset Selection | 20% | Breadth and quality of supported assets |
| Security & Custody | 20% | Custodian quality, insurance coverage, cold storage |
| IRS Compliance | 15% | Regulatory standing, audit history, IRS-approved structures |
| Customer Support | 15% | Response times, dedicated specialists, dispute resolution |
| Reputation | 10% | BBB rating, Trustpilot score, complaint history |
Affiliate Disclosure
IRA Research Hub may receive compensation when a reader opens an account with a provider featured on this site. This compensation helps fund our independent research operation. However, it does not affect our editorial ratings, rankings, or the objectivity of our analysis. Providers that offer affiliate compensation are not guaranteed positive reviews, and providers without affiliate arrangements are evaluated on exactly the same criteria.
All affiliate relationships are clearly marked with an "Affiliate link" disclosure wherever they appear. For a full explanation of our compensation model, please read our Privacy Policy.
Publisher & Ownership
IRA Research Hub is owned and operated by Swoon.ai.
IRA Research Hub is a specialized research property focused on self-directed IRA topics, including Crypto IRAs and Precious Metals IRAs. The site uses transparent methodology, structured research standards, and disclosed commercial relationships. It is published and operated by Swoon.ai, an AI-powered publishing and research platform.
Editorial oversight is provided by Swoon.ai. Publisher transparency and editorial accountability are anchored by Natacha Gaymer-Jones, Founder of Swoon.ai, who is responsible for the editorial standards, research integrity, and publishing operations of IRA Research Hub.
For methodology, disclosure, and corrections, see our Methodology, Disclosure, and Editorial Policy pages.
Have a question or correction?
We take accuracy seriously. If you spot an error in any of our reviews or data, please reach out and we will investigate promptly.
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