In a significant development bridging traditional retirement planning with digital assets, the AI-driven investment platform Public announced on March 21, 2025, that it now supports cryptocurrency trading within Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). This strategic integration allows millions of users to allocate portions of their retirement savings to major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) within a tax-advantaged framework.
The new functionality enables users to buy, sell, and hold these specific cryptocurrencies directly within their existing IRA accounts on Public, seamlessly alongside stocks, ETFs, and other alternative assets. The platform indicated potential for expanding the supported crypto list based on regulatory clarity and user demand. All crypto holdings within the IRA receive the same custodial safeguards and insurance protections as other assets on the platform.
The primary incentive is the powerful tax advantage. Within a Traditional IRA, investment growth is tax-deferred, meaning investors can trade cryptocurrencies without incurring immediate capital gains taxes each year. Within a Roth IRA, qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free, including any gains from crypto investments. This structure can significantly enhance long-term compounding potential. It is crucial to note that standard IRA contribution limits apply—$7,000 for 2025 ($8,000 for those 50 and over)—and early withdrawals before age 59½ typically incur a 10% penalty plus taxes.
Leif Abraham, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Public, commented on the move: “Crypto has matured from an experimental asset class into a global asset class, but retirement investing hasn't kept pace. Launching crypto trading in IRA accounts on Public is a new innovation that is allowing investors to take advantage of potential tax benefits and trade more asset classes for retirement.”
The development arrives amid growing institutional acceptance, following the SEC's approval of the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024. Public’s move specifically targets the mass-affluent and retail retirement market, a segment historically underserved for crypto access within tax-advantaged accounts. The platform’s user-friendly interface and educational focus are designed to lower the barrier to entry.
However, financial advisors urge caution. Sarah Chen, a Certified Financial Planner specializing in retirement, stated: “While the tax benefits are compelling, cryptocurrency remains a high-risk, volatile asset. It should only constitute a small, allocated portion of a well-diversified retirement portfolio, if at all. Investors must not let the tax tail wag the investment dog.”
From a regulatory and security standpoint, Public’s crypto offerings are subject to oversight from the SEC and IRS. The platform has stated it will only support cryptocurrencies it deems sufficiently compliant and liquid. Security measures include partnerships with institutional-grade custodians, the use of multi-signature wallets, cold storage for the majority of assets, and enterprise security protocols.
This launch signals a maturation phase for cryptocurrency, framing it as a long-term investment vehicle within retirement planning. It also pressures other fintech and traditional brokerage firms to follow suit, potentially democratizing access through Public’s low-fee model.
