Asset Strategies International Review: In-Depth Analysis & Insights

Asset Strategies International has operated as a precious metals dealer and investment company since 1982, specializing in alternative assets like gold, silver, and foreign currencies. The company positions itself as a wealth preservation specialist, offering services that range from precious metals investments to offshore storage solutions for investors seeking portfolio diversification.

Asset Strategies International is a legitimate precious metals dealer that provides investment solutions in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, though prospective clients should carefully review mixed customer feedback regarding service quality and fees. The company’s management team, led by current president and COO Michael Checkan, has focused on helping clients protect wealth through diversification across different countries, currencies, and investment types.

Understanding the company’s full range of services, storage options, and customer experiences becomes essential for investors considering precious metals as part of their wealth preservation strategy. Reviews from various sources indicate mixed experiences, making thorough research important before making investment decisions with this decades-old firm.

Key Takeaways

• Asset Strategies International has operated since 1982 as a precious metals dealer offering gold, silver, platinum, and palladium investments
• The company provides IRA services, offshore storage solutions, and wealth preservation strategies for portfolio diversification
• Customer reviews show mixed experiences with service quality and fees, requiring careful evaluation before investing

Asset Strategies International Overview

Asset Strategies International (ASI) was founded in 1982 by Michael Checkan and Glen O. Kirsch in Rockville, Maryland. The company focuses on helping clients protect wealth through precious metals, foreign currencies, and alternative investment strategies.

Company Background and History

Asset Strategies International began operations in 1982 under the original name International Financial Consultants (IFC). The company later changed its name to Asset Strategies International in 1997.

ASI operates from its headquarters at 1700 Rockville Pike Suite 400 in Rockville, Maryland. The company has maintained its presence in the precious metals industry for over 40 years.

The business started as a response to economic uncertainty in the early 1980s. The founders recognized the need for wealth protection strategies that extended beyond traditional investments.

Asset Strategies International specializes in precious metals, foreign currencies, and rare tangible assets. The company offers both physical precious metals and IRA services to clients nationwide.

Mission and Core Values

Asset Strategies International’s mission centers on helping clients safeguard their global wealth through alternative assets. The company uses the motto “Keep What’s Yours” to express its commitment to wealth preservation.

The founders believed that diversification across countries, currencies, and investments is essential for protecting wealth from economic instability. This philosophy continues to guide the company’s approach today.

ASI focuses on providing personalized investment solutions and comprehensive advisory services. The company emphasizes education by offering free resources including weekly alerts, monthly newsletters, and live price charts.

The business model prioritizes long-term client relationships over short-term transactions. ASI aims to serve as a trusted advisor for clients seeking alternative asset protection strategies.

Management Team and Founders

Michael Checkan currently serves as president and COO of Asset Strategies International. He co-founded the company alongside Glen O. Kirsch in 1982.

Glen O. Kirsch was the co-founder who helped establish the company’s initial vision and strategies. Kirsch has since passed away, but his founding principles continue to influence the company’s operations.

The founding duo established Asset Strategies International based on their belief that diversification across multiple asset classes and jurisdictions was necessary. Their approach emphasized protection against economic and political risks.

Michael Checkan continues to lead the company’s daily operations and strategic direction. Under his leadership, ASI has expanded its service offerings while maintaining its focus on wealth preservation through alternative assets.

Products and Services

Asset Strategies International offers a comprehensive range of precious metals investments, from basic bullion to specialized collectibles. The company provides IRA-approved precious metals and numismatics alongside retirement account solutions for investors seeking portfolio diversification.

Precious Metals Investments

Asset Strategies International stocks four primary precious metals categories for investment purposes. The company’s gold products include Gold American Buffalo, British Britannia, and Canadian Maple Leaf coins.

Gold Options:

• American Eagle coins
• Canadian Maple Leaf coins
• Austrian Philharmonics
• South African Krugerrand coins
• Gold Chinese Panda coins
• Gold Australian Kangaroo coins
• Various gold bars

Silver Selection:

The silver inventory includes American Eagle, Australian Kangaroo, Austrian Philharmonics, Canadian Maple Leaf, and Chinese Panda coins. Silver rounds, Morgan Silver Dollars, Peace Dollars, and silver bars complete the selection.

Platinum and Palladium:

Platinum options feature American Eagle, Australian Koala, Austrian Philharmonics, and Canadian Maple Leaf coins plus platinum bars. Palladium offerings include Canadian Maple Leafs and various palladium bars.

Numismatic Coins and Collectibles

Asset Strategies International maintains a dedicated numismatics division for collectors and investors seeking rare coins. The company offers pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, which often carry historical significance and potential collector premiums.

Collectible Categories:

• Numismatic coins with certified authenticity
• Spotlight coins featuring special releases
• Rare US coins from historical periods
• Ancient coins for specialized collectors

The numismatics section includes educational resources about coin grading, historical context, and market values. This helps investors understand the difference between bullion value and collectible premiums.

Pre-1933 gold coins represent a significant portion of their collectible inventory. These coins often command higher prices than modern bullion due to their historical importance and limited availability.

Precious Metals IRA Solutions

The company provides gold IRA programs designed for retirement investors. These accounts allow investors to hold physical precious metals within tax-advantaged retirement structures.

IRA-Eligible Products:

• Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins
• Approved bullion bars
• Certified precious metals meeting IRS requirements

Asset Strategies International offers storage solutions through their precious metals IRA programs. The company handles custodial requirements and ensures compliance with IRS regulations for precious metals retirement accounts.

They operate a buy-back program for IRA investors who need to liquidate holdings. This service provides an exit strategy for investors who want to convert their metals back to cash or transfer to different investments.

The company serves as an official Perth Mint Depository Distributor, offering specialized programs like PMC Online for streamlined precious metals storage and management.

Precious Metals IRA and Retirement Accounts

Precious metals IRAs are designed to help you invest in gold, palladium, silver and other valuable metals for retirement. These accounts allow investors to hold physical precious metals within their retirement portfolios through self-directed IRA structures.

Self-Directed IRAs Overview

A gold IRA is a type of self-directed IRA that expands investment options beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Self-directed IRAs give investors control over their retirement fund investments.

These accounts allow holders to invest in alternative assets including precious metals, real estate, and commodities. The IRA custodian holds the assets but the account owner makes investment decisions.

Self-directed IRAs follow the same contribution limits and tax rules as traditional IRAs. Annual contribution limits remain $7,000 for 2025, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution for those 50 and older.

The account holder maintains full responsibility for investment choices and due diligence. This includes researching dealers, storage facilities, and market conditions.

IRA-Eligible Metals and Requirements

A precious metals IRA is a retirement account that allows you to hold certain physical metals in your investment portfolio. The IRS sets specific purity requirements for metals held in retirement accounts.

Gold Requirements:

• Minimum purity of 99.5% (.995 fine)
• American Gold Eagles (exception at 91.67% purity)
• Canadian Gold Maple Leafs
• Austrian Gold Philharmonics

Silver Requirements:

• Minimum purity of 99.9% (.999 fine)
• American Silver Eagles
• Canadian Silver Maple Leafs
• Austrian Silver Philharmonics

Platinum and Palladium:

• Minimum purity of 99.95% (.9995 fine)
• Must be produced by approved refiners
• Limited coin and bar options available

All metals must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. Personal possession of IRA metals results in immediate tax penalties and distribution consequences.

Rollover and Account Setup Process

Setting up a precious metals IRA requires working with specialized custodians who handle alternative investments. The process involves several key steps and timeframes.

Account Opening Process:

1. Choose an IRA custodian that handles precious metals
2. Complete account application and funding paperwork
3. Select an approved storage facility
4. Choose metals from approved dealer inventory

Rollover Options:

• Direct rollover from existing 401(k) or IRA
• Indirect rollover completed within 60 days
• Annual contribution limits apply to new contributions

The custodian coordinates with the metals dealer and storage facility. They handle all documentation and compliance requirements for the transaction.

Most rollovers complete within 2-3 weeks once paperwork is submitted. The custodian manages ongoing storage fees, insurance, and annual reporting requirements.

Security, Storage, and Asset Protection

Asset Strategies International provides multiple layers of protection for client investments through domestic and international storage facilities, comprehensive insurance coverage, and partnerships with established custodians. The company focuses on wealth protection strategies that include geographic diversification and segregated storage options.

Secure Storage Options

Asset Strategies International partners with storage facilities in major cities across the United States and internationally. Domestic storage locations include New York City, Las Vegas, Delaware, Dallas, and Salt Lake City.

International storage options span multiple continents. Facilities operate in the Cayman Islands, Toronto, London, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Zurich, and Singapore.

This geographic diversification allows clients to spread their precious metals holdings across different jurisdictions. The strategy reduces concentration risk and provides options for accessing assets from various locations.

Storage Benefits:

• Multiple domestic locations
• International facility access
• Reduced geographic concentration
• Enhanced liquidity options

Insurance and Segregation

The storage facilities maintain comprehensive insurance coverage for client assets. This protection covers precious metals held in both domestic and international locations.

Segregated storage options allow clients to maintain individual ownership of their specific precious metals. This approach differs from pooled storage where assets are commingled with other investors’ holdings.

The segregation provides clear title to specific coins and bars. Clients can request delivery of their exact items rather than equivalent replacements from general inventory.

Insurance policies protect against theft, damage, and other covered losses. The coverage extends to both the storage facilities and transportation of precious metals.

Partner Custodians

Asset Strategies International works with several IRS-approved custodians for precious metals IRA services. Partner custodians include The Entrust Group, Kingdom Trust, Millenium Trust Company, Goldstar Trust Company, and Equity Institutional.

These custodians handle the administrative requirements for self-directed IRAs. They ensure compliance with IRS regulations for precious metals retirement accounts.

Each custodian brings specific expertise in alternative asset management. They process transactions, maintain records, and provide required tax reporting for IRA holders.

The multiple custodian relationships give clients options for their retirement account administration. Different custodians may offer varying fee structures and service levels to match client preferences.

Customer Experience and Reputation

Asset Strategies International’s customer experience centers on personalized service and secure transactions, though the company has limited public ratings from major review platforms. The firm’s reputation depends heavily on its BBB accreditation and decades of operation in the precious metals industry.

Customer Service Quality

Asset Strategies International emphasizes personalized customer service throughout the investment process. The company assigns dedicated representatives to guide clients through precious metals purchases and wealth management decisions.

Asset Strategies International elevates the payment experience by offering multiple secure payment options. These include wire transfers, ACH transfers, checks, and credit cards for different client preferences.

The firm provides comprehensive support during IRA setup processes. Representatives help clients select IRS-approved custodians and navigate federal regulations for precious metals retirement accounts.

Customer accounts feature secure storage for preferred payment methods. This streamlines future transactions and enhances the overall buying experience for repeat clients.

The company’s buyback program demonstrates commitment to ongoing customer relationships. ASI accepts precious metals from any dealer, not just items purchased directly from them.

Industry Ratings and Reviews

Asset Strategies International maintains BBB accreditation with an A+ rating since its founding in 1982. This demonstrates consistent adherence to business standards and customer service practices.

Asset Strategies International does not provide pricing information, nor does it have reviews or accreditation from reputable review websites beyond the Better Business Bureau. This limited online presence affects potential customers’ ability to research the company thoroughly.

Assets Strategies International has very few ratings from various websites that typically review precious metals dealers. The scarcity of third-party reviews makes it difficult for investors to assess customer satisfaction levels.

The company’s 40+ year operating history provides some indication of business stability. However, the lack of extensive customer feedback on major review platforms remains a notable gap.

Transparency and Trustworthiness

Asset Strategies International maintains transparency in its pricing structure and investment minimums. The company requires at least one ounce for gold, platinum, or palladium purchases, and 100 ounces for silver investments.

Price lock benefits allow clients to secure current market rates for their transactions. However, cancellation fees apply if market prices drop after the lock period begins.

The firm uses discrete shipping methods to protect client privacy during precious metals deliveries. All shipments include full insurance coverage against loss, theft, or damage during transit.

ASI recommends that investors compare current market prices before making purchases. This guidance helps clients make informed decisions about markups and fair pricing in the precious metals market.

The company’s wealth management approach focuses on IRS compliance for retirement accounts. ASI ensures all precious metals purchases meet federal requirements for self-directed IRAs.

Wealth Preservation Strategies

Asset Strategies International focuses on protecting client wealth through diversified precious metals investments and educational support. The company offers multiple approaches to safeguard assets against economic uncertainty while providing growth potential.

Diversification Benefits

Precious metals serve as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. ASI helps clients reduce portfolio risk by adding gold, silver, platinum, and palladium to their investment mix.

These metals typically move independently from stocks and bonds. When traditional markets decline, precious metals often maintain or increase their value.

Key diversification advantages include:

• Protection against currency devaluation
• Inflation hedge capabilities
• Portfolio stability during economic downturns
• Reduced correlation with traditional assets

ASI’s approach allows investors to allocate a portion of their wealth to physical assets. This strategy helps balance risk across different asset classes.

The company offers both bullion and rare coins for diversification. Each type provides different benefits for wealth preservation strategies.

Wealth Growth Opportunities

ASI provides access to precious metals that can appreciate over time. Gold and silver have historically maintained purchasing power across decades.

The company offers rare coins that may provide additional growth potential. These collectible items can increase in value beyond their metal content.

Growth opportunities include:

• Long-term appreciation potential
• Collector premiums on rare coins
• Supply and demand dynamics
• Global economic factors

ASI’s buyback program allows clients to sell when market conditions are favorable. This flexibility helps investors capture gains when prices rise.

The company accepts metals from any source for buyback. This service makes it easier for clients to manage their precious metals investments.

Education and Resources

ASI provides educational materials to help clients make informed decisions. The company explains market dynamics and investment strategies through various resources.

Their specialists offer personalized guidance based on individual financial goals. This support helps clients understand how precious metals fit into their overall wealth plan.

Educational support includes:

• Market analysis and insights
• Investment strategy consultation
• IRA setup guidance
• Ongoing client support

The company emphasizes the importance of understanding market prices and markups. This knowledge helps investors make better purchasing decisions.

ASI’s educational approach focuses on asset protection strategies that align with client objectives. They explain how precious metals complement other wealth preservation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Asset Strategies International has been serving clients since 1982 with precious metals and alternative investments. The company addresses common investor concerns about services, security measures, and client experiences.

What are the primary services offered by Asset Strategies International?

Asset Strategies International specializes in precious metals and alternative asset investments. The company focuses on helping clients diversify their portfolios beyond traditional stocks and bonds.

The firm offers precious metals IRAs as a core service. These accounts allow investors to hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in retirement accounts.

Asset Strategies International provides foreign currency services and private asset protection. They also offer global investment strategies to help clients manage wealth across different markets.

The company sells various precious metals products including American Eagle coins and bars from reputable mints. They work with products from the Perth Mint and Royal Canadian Mint to ensure quality and authenticity.

How does Asset Strategies International ensure the security of client investments?

Asset Strategies International is well-known for transparent practices and certified products. The company works with established mints to provide authenticated precious metals.

The firm sources products from reputable institutions like the Perth Mint and Royal Canadian Mint. These partnerships help ensure the purity and authenticity of precious metals sold to clients.

Asset Strategies International offers gold and silver storage services as part of their portfolio protection strategies. This service helps clients securely store physical precious metals.

The company maintains over 35 years of experience in the industry. This long track record provides clients with confidence in their investment security measures.

Can you provide examples of successful investment strategies implemented by Asset Strategies International?

Asset Strategies International helps clients implement diversification strategies using precious metals. The company focuses on portfolio protection against economic uncertainties through tangible assets.

The firm guides clients toward self-directed IRAs and offshore bank accounts. These strategies allow for greater control over retirement investments and asset protection.

Asset Strategies International recommends precious metals as inflation hedges. Gold and silver investments can help protect purchasing power during periods of currency devaluation.

The company provides personalized and tailored solutions to meet each client’s unique needs. Their team of experts develops custom strategies based on individual financial goals.

What are the minimum investment requirements for Asset Strategies International?

The search results do not provide specific minimum investment requirements for Asset Strategies International. The company states that they welcome investors of all levels, from individuals to corporations.

Asset Strategies International offers various precious metals products at different price points. These include single-ounce coins and larger bars like the 100-ounce silver bars.

The firm provides consultation services to help determine appropriate investment levels. They recommend consulting with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

How does Asset Strategies International stay ahead of changes in market conditions?

Asset Strategies International maintains a team of experts who provide specialized guidance. The company leverages over three decades of industry experience to navigate market changes.

The firm focuses on alternative assets that can perform differently than traditional investments. Precious metals often move independently of stock and bond markets.

Asset Strategies International offers global investment strategies to help clients adapt to changing conditions. These approaches provide exposure to different currencies and international markets.

The company emphasizes portfolio diversification as a key strategy. This approach helps clients reduce risk during various market conditions and economic cycles.

What are the client service experiences typically reported with Asset Strategies International?

Positive reviews of Asset Strategies International frequently underscore the reliability of their services. Clients report overall satisfaction with investment strategies and customer support.

Client feedback highlights trust, consistency, and expert support. The company receives recognition for transparent practices and reliable service delivery.

Asset Strategies International has a 3.5 star rating with 12 reviews on consumer rating platforms. The company maintains regular business hours and accessibility for client consultations.

The firm emphasizes the importance of asking whether dealers buy back precious metals. This approach demonstrates their commitment to fair pricing and long-term client relationships.