Midland Trust

Midland Trust is a self-directed IRA custodian registered in the United Kingdom and established on 15 July 2021. The company operates through the domain midlandtrust.com and is now part of the Equity Trust family of companies. It primarily serves investors seeking to hold alternative assets within their retirement accounts, including futures and forex trading.

Midland Trust does not hold any regulatory licences from the UK Financial Conduct Authority or any other financial regulator. This absence of regulatory oversight is a significant factor for traders to consider, as it means client protections such as compensation schemes or dispute resolution services are not available.

Midland Trust was founded in 2021 and is based in the United Kingdom. The company has since become part of Equity Trust, a larger self-directed IRA custodian with over 50 years of experience and $71 billion in assets under custody. The integration with Equity Trust suggests a consolidation within the industry, but Midland Trust retains its own brand and website.

The company maintains a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter/X, and YouTube, though its activity on these platforms is not extensively documented. Its website primarily targets US-based investors interested in self-directed IRAs, despite being registered in the UK.

Midland Trust does not have any regulators on file. This is a critical observation, as the absence of regulation means the company is not subject to the oversight of a financial regulatory body. For traders, this increases the risk profile, as there is no independent authority to ensure fair practices or safeguard client funds.

The lack of regulation also means that Midland Trust is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK or any equivalent investor protection scheme. Traders should be aware that they would have limited recourse in the event of a dispute or financial loss.

Midland Trust offers custodial services for self-directed IRAs, specifically enabling futures and forex trading within these accounts. The company does not act as a broker or dealing desk but instead partners with futures commission merchants (FCMs) and forex platforms. According to its website, it specializes in custody for futures and forex trading platforms.

The company provides a client portal for account management, funding, and withdrawals. It also offers educational resources, including FAQs and blog posts, to guide investors through the process of trading futures and forex in an IRA.

Midland Trust offers self-directed IRA accounts that can include a trading account for futures and forex. The fee schedule includes an account setup fee of $50 for online applications and $100 for paper applications. Annual fees are structured in two options: one based on the number of assets and another based on total portfolio value.

The fee schedule also distinguishes between asset types, with separate categories for real estate, LLCs, private placements, precious metals, futures/forex, and cash-only accounts. Specific fee amounts are detailed in the PDF schedule, which traders should review carefully to understand the cost structure.

Midland Trust targets investors looking to diversify their retirement portfolios through alternative assets like futures and forex. Its services are aimed at self-directed IRA holders who want to take advantage of tax benefits while trading in these markets. The company also serves financial professionals and investment providers seeking custodial solutions.

The typical client is likely an experienced trader or an investor with knowledge of futures and forex markets, as the company emphasizes the need for expertise. It may not be suitable for novice traders or those seeking a traditional retail forex brokerage with leveraged trading accounts.

Given the lack of regulation, Midland Trust carries a higher risk profile. The FXCanary Scam Risk Score is 46 out of 100, indicating a 'Guarded' level of caution. Traders should conduct their own due diligence and consider the inherent risks of trading futures and forex, which are highly speculative and can result in substantial losses.

The absence of regulatory oversight means that there is no guarantee of fund segregation or compensation. Investors should only commit funds they can afford to lose and seek independent financial advice if necessary.