StoneX Group Employees: Exploring Exchange Funds and Tax-Efficient Strategies for Deferred Gains
Healthcare Provider Update: StoneX provides health insurance, cafeteria perks, and job training, though details on specific providers are limited 6.
With ACA premiums expected to rise sharply, StoneXs internal coverage may offer more stability, especially for employees with dependents.
Click here to learn more
'StoneX Group employees should view capital gains management as part of a broader retirement strategy as flexible, tax-efficient planning tailored to individual circumstances can help preserve wealth over the long term.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'StoneX Group employees may benefit from retirement planning strategies that incorporate adaptable approaches. Flexibility in planning can better align financial decisions with evolving personal and economic circumstances.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article we will discuss:
Personalized and adaptable tax-efficient planning for StoneX Group employees.
Deferred gains and tax-free diversification strategies, including §721 Exchange Funds and §351 ETF conversions.
Additional methods such as charitable donations, remainder trusts, and collars for managing capital gains.
Patrick Ray, a Wealth Enhancement financial advisor, highlights the importance of personalized tax-efficient planning when determining the best way to mitigate capital gains taxes on a highly valued position. 'Retirement planning is not a one-size-fits-all approach,' he notes. 'It requires tailored strategies that address unique factors such as tax-efficient withdrawals.' For StoneX Group employees, effective planning—which can include using tax-efficient tools like donor-advised funds or donating appreciated shares to charity selectively—means taking a customized approach based on your unique tax bracket, liquidity requirements, and long-term objectives, particularly when it comes to managing significant capital gains.
For his part, Wealth Enhancement advisor Tyson Mavar emphasizes the necessity of adaptable planning tools, pointing out that traditional guidance could be misaligned. 'Retirement planning is particularly complex for investors juggling estate considerations and significant capital gains,' he says. For StoneX Group professionals, this viewpoint encourages investigating tactics that provide customization, timing flexibility, and tax efficiency based on your financial needs, such as charitable remainder trusts, tax-loss harvesting, or conversions into exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Tax-deferred diversification
: Allows you to receive shares in a diversified portfolio without paying capital gains tax immediately by contributing a concentrated stock position to a pooled exchange fund.
Deferred gain
: Your initial cost basis carries over pro rata, and taxes are postponed until you sell the shares of the diversified portfolio.
Accessibility
: Usually restricted to qualified or accredited buyers, frequently requiring sizeable minimum deposits (between $100,000 and $1 million or more).
Hold period
: Prior to redemption, funds typically impose a seven year lock-up.
Diversification structure
: To prevent being classified as an “investment company,” which would otherwise result in immediate taxation, exchange funds are frequently structured with about 20% in non-stock assets, such as real estate.
For StoneX Group employees holding concentrated stock, this can provide a structured way to defer taxes while broadening exposure.
Restrictions
Limited liquidity—capital remains locked in for the time being.
High-net-worth investors are generally the only ones able to meet the fees and entry requirements.
You still retain diluted exposure to your original position following the exchange, known as residual exposure.
2. Tax-Free Seeding Into Tax-Efficient Vehicles via Section 351 ETF Conversions
Mechanism and Advantages
Tax-free transfer
: If IRS regulations are followed, you can trade shares of an ETF for a diversified portfolio (such as separately managed account holdings) without recognizing a gain.
Diversification guidelines
: The portfolio must satisfy §368(a)(2)(F)'s 25/50 diversification test, which states that no single holding may account for more than 25% of the portfolio’s value and that the top five holdings cannot exceed 50%.
Control requirement
: Immediately after the exchange, contributors must jointly own at least 80% of voting power and 80% of all share classes.
Continuous in-kind rebalancing
: The ETF structure allows for tax-efficient rebalancing through in-kind transactions, postponing future gains until ETF shares are sold.
For StoneX Group investors, these mechanisms can be especially valuable if they are already well diversified and seeking long-term tax efficiency.
Restrictions
Eligibility
: Only well-diversified portfolios qualify; concentrated single-stock holders may not benefit unless already diversified.
Cost and complexity
: Requires operational, fund-structuring, and legal setup, often used by institutions or wealthy investors.
3. Collars and Charitable Giving Strategies
High-income investors often use strategies like charitable giving, donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts, and collars with borrowing to manage capital gains taxes.
Giving to charity
: Donating appreciated stock directly or through a donor-advised fund can result in a charitable deduction and reduce exposure to capital gains tax.
Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs)
: These generate income while deferring capital gains taxes, with the remainder eventually donated to charity.
Borrowing and collars
: Borrowing against stock provides liquidity without a taxable sale, while collars set boundaries on downside risk. These tactics must be properly structured to prevent constructive sale treatment under §1259.
Dividing retirement assets in a QDRO proceeding requires a clear understanding of what StoneX Group offers through its benefit programs. It is important to note that StoneX Group has frozen its defined benefit pension to new accruals - this means your benefit is based on service and compensation accumulated up to the freeze date - but the value already locked in remains a meaningful asset worth analyzing. If a lump sum option is available, IRS segment rates in effect during the plan's lookback period directly affect the present value calculation; rising rates reduce the lump sum amount, so the rate environment at your retirement date matters. Understanding the annuity equivalent of your frozen benefit and comparing it to a potential lump sum is an important step in sequencing your retirement income from multiple sources.
For healthcare planning purposes, StoneX Group does not offer continued medical coverage to retirees, which means coverage through the company ends when employment does. Planning for the cost of health insurance during any gap between your retirement date and Medicare eligibility at age 65 is a critical step - marketplace coverage, COBRA continuation, or a spouse's employer plan are common options. Building an accurate estimate of bridge-coverage costs into your retirement income projection prevents underestimating one of the largest variable expenses retirees face. Seeing all of your StoneX Group benefits in the context of a single retirement income plan is the most effective way to plan with confidence.
What type of retirement plan does StoneX Group offer to its employees?
StoneX Group offers a 401(k) retirement plan to help employees save for their future.
How can employees at StoneX Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the StoneX Group 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does StoneX Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, StoneX Group offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the maximum contribution limit for the StoneX Group 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for the StoneX Group 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.
Can employees at StoneX Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, StoneX Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.
Are there any fees associated with the StoneX Group 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the StoneX Group 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
What investment options are available in the StoneX Group 401(k) plan?
The StoneX Group 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.
When can employees at StoneX Group start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan?
Employees can typically start withdrawing from their StoneX Group 401(k) plan at age 59½, subject to certain conditions.
Does StoneX Group provide educational resources about the 401(k) plan?
Yes, StoneX Group offers educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options and investment strategies.
How often can employees at StoneX Group change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
Employees at StoneX Group can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, typically during open enrollment periods or as specified in the plan.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
StoneX Group offers RSUs and stock options as part of its compensation package.