Discontinuation of Direct Public Security Purchases
NDTCO is moving its public securities services to SogoTrade and will no longer purchase public securities directly.
Why is NDTCO no longer purchasing public securities directly?
SogoTrade is a US-based, deep-discount online brokerage firm that provides platforms and tools for self-directed investors to trade stocks, ETFs, options, and more. SogoTrade is regulated by both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and is known for its competitive commission rates and a range of trading platforms designed for various investor types. Our intent is to provide our clients with the highest level of services and experts like SogoTrade, so our clients always have the best options and tools available to reach their investment goals. For more info, visit our public securities webpage.
How long do I have before NDTCO completely stops purchasing public securities directly?
30 calendar days from our email announcement on January 20th, 2026
What happens if I currently hold public securities in my account?
You will be able to liquidate or In-kind Transfer Out your public securities through NDTCO. If you want to continue making purchases of public securities, you will need to open a SogoTrade account with your NDTCO account.
If you choose to liquidate or In-Kind Transfer Out, you can:
- Sell and Reallocate: At your direction, NDTCO can sell existing public securities currently held in your account and bring the proceeds back as cash. That cash can then be redeployed into alternative investments aligned with your self-directed strategy. Fill out the Sell Direction Letter (SDL) through your NDTCO account.
- In-Kind Transfer: If you prefer to continue holding your public securities elsewhere, NDTCO can facilitate an in-kind transfer of those assets to another custodian of your choosing, upon your request.
The transition to SogoTrade is designed to expand options, not limit them, while ensuring smooth and compliant experience for account holders.
How do I open a SogoTrade account through my NDTCO account?
- Log in to your NDTCO account and click Invest
- Select Public Securities → Invest Now
- Complete the online form
- We’ll send you a trading authorization form to finalize your SogoTrade account
- Access your SogoTrade account and start trading!
You can also follow the steps on our website [here] or give us a call, and we’ll walk you through the process.
Can I just go to the SogoTrade website and open an account there?
Not if you want your SogoTrade account to maintain the tax benefits of your NDTCO IRA. The two accounts must be connected so that we can meet our IRA reporting requirements to the IRS.
How does this SogoTrade ⇔ NDTCO connection work? How does the value of my SogoTrade account get included within my tax advantaged retirement account at NDTCO?
Your NDTCO IRA holds custody of your SogoTrade Account.
- You get to trade public securities when and how you want, faster and cheaper with your SogoTrade account.
- SogoTrade provides the overall account value back to NDTCO as a weekly snapshot in a digitally secure way.
- NDTCO treats your SogoTrade account as a single asset updating the value in your account weekly. You get transparency and accuracy in your account, and we get to report properly to the IRS on your behalf.
Does NDTCO charge any fees for holding a brokerage account within an alternative asset account?
Yes, but your trading fees will go down! New Direction Trust Company will continue to charge the annual public securities administration fee to hold custody of the SogoTrade account, and a $35 wire fee when transferring funds into your SogoTrade account. Other potential associated costs are below.
| Fee Description | NDTCO Fee | SogoTrade Fee |
| Annual Administration | $135 | $25 |
| Stocks and EFTs | $50 (direct purchases) | $0 |
| Mutual Funds | $50 (direct purchases) | $25 |
| Options | NDTCO Does not custody | $0 |
| Cryptocurrency | NDTCO Does not custody | The greater of $1 or 1% of the trade value |
| Outbound Wire Fee | $35 | $30 |
| Check Issue Fee | $20 | $5 |
Note: Direct purchase fees for stocks, EFTs, and mutual funds will be removed from the NDTCO fee schedule effective February 19,2026.
New Direction Trust Company (NDTCO) acts solely as passive, directed, non-fiduciary for self-directed retirement accounts. The information contained on this FAQ page is for educational purposes only. NDTCO does not recommend, endorse, or promote SogoTrade or any investment products available through the SogoTrade platform. NDTCO does not provide investment, legal, or tax advice, and account holders are solely responsible for conducting their own due diligence and making all investment decisions. All trading activities within the SogoTrade account are self-directed by the account holder. Platform fees charged by SogoTrade are separate from NDTCO custodial and administrative fees. NDTCO shall have no liability for any losses, penalties, tax consequences arising from investments made through the SogoTrade platform. Account holders acknowledge that NDTCO is not a fiduciary and does not evaluate the permissibility or suitability of any investment under the Internal Revenue Code.