IRA Financial, a leading provider of self-directed retirement solutions that help individuals and small business owners invest beyond Wall Street, today announced that it has earned a place on Inc. Magazine’s 2026 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list is the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s most successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy.

In a period defined by market volatility, rising rates, and rapid technology change, IRA Financial has continued to scale through ongoing investments in its technology, client experience, and platform capabilities as more investors seek greater control, diversification, and tax-advantaged access to alternative assets. The company now serves more than 27,000 active accounts and administers over $8 billion in assets, reflecting the company’s continued growth and strong performance as it expands its platform and simplifies the self-directed investing experience. In 2025, IRA Financial saw a more than 25% increase in assets under administration and more than 60% growth in accounts compared to 2024. The company further strengthened its market position through a May 2026 partnership with Interactive Brokers and recognition in the Inc. Regionals Midwest rankings, as well as being named a finalist for Finnovate’s “Best Alternative Investments Solution.” This growth reflects IRA Financial’s continued focus on delivering value to clients and strengthening the relationships that support its long-term momentum.

“Making the Inc. 5000 is a powerful validation of what we hear from our clients every day: investors want more control over their retirement dollars and a simpler way to put those dollars to work in what they understand,” said Clay Cowan, CEO of IRA Financial. “We’ve worked hard to build the technology, platform, and client experience to meet that need, and we’re continuing to invest in those areas as we grow. From real estate and private equity to stocks and digital assets, our goal is to give retirement savers a compliant, modern platform that makes alternative investing practical rather than intimidating. This recognition belongs to our entire team and to the clients who trusted us long before self-directed retirement investing went mainstream.”

This year’s Inc. 5000 recognizes a new class of companies redefining what growth looks like. From AI and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, consumer products, and professional services, these businesses are expanding their impact, creating jobs and proving that entrepreneurial ambition continues to fuel the U.S. economy. Among the 5,000 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate was 130%, and those companies have collectively added more than 627,208 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.

“Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance–it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement.”

Inc. 5000 methodology

Companies on the 2026 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth over a three-year period. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue within the qualifying baseline year, and must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of the most recent year measured. Detailed methodology and the complete 2026 Inc. 5000 list will be available on Inc.com at launch.

Inc. 5000 at a glance

  • The Inc. 5000 list highlights privately held U.S. companies that demonstrate sustained, multi-year revenue growth.

  • Alumni include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, and Patagonia.

For the full Inc. 5000 list, honoree company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, please visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Inc.

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About IRA Financial

IRA Financial is a self-directed retirement platform that gives investors access to alternative and traditional assets within tax-advantaged accounts. The company serves more than 27,000 active accounts and more than $8 billion in assets invested, with solutions spanning Self-Directed IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, Checkbook IRAs, HSAs, crypto IRAs, and other retirement structures. IRA Financial combines broad investment flexibility, flat annual fees, and in-house compliance support to help investors build retirement strategies on their own terms.

Media gallery

About The Author
Business Wire