Generally, yes, but the thing you're looking for is called "self-directed" and is supported by most major providers. The nicest one if you really want to do thi

Generally, yes, but the thing you're looking for is called "self-directed" and is supported by most major providers. The nicest one if you really want to do this is probably Schwab. The problem with GP's scheme isn't that there's a good reason you can't hold whatever security you want in your retirement account: it's that you can't make the contribution in-kind from a taxable brokerage to your tax-advantaged 401(k)/IRA. It's true that that's rare: but that's because your employer is giving you a shitty 401(k). Ask me about the Latacora 401(k) one day.