Retirement

After a sudden $2 trillion crypto market rout, industry observers and policymakers are rethinking whether volatile digital assets belong in workplace retirement plans. The crash has reignited concerns over fiduciary duty and retiree protection.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the time is right to permit cryptocurrency in 401(k) retirement plans, noting necessary custody and valuation conditions are now in place. His support signals growing regulatory confidence that could open retirement accounts to digital-asset exposure.

Delaware Life has launched a first-of-its-kind fixed indexed annuity (FIA) that uses BlackRock’s IBIT as the underlying exposure while offering full principal protection, aiming to attract cautious, near-retirement investors.

Delaware Life has teamed with BlackRock to offer a fixed index annuity that provides Bitcoin-linked growth potential while aiming to preserve principal. The product is intended to blend upside from BTC with the downside protection typical of annuities.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren criticized a U.S. policy allowing cryptocurrencies in 401(k) and other defined‑contribution plans, warning Americans could "lose big" if safeguards are not put in place. Her remarks mark a sharp pushback that could spur regulatory and legislative scrutiny.

Congress has urged the SEC to revise rules so Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can be offered as investment options in 401(k) retirement plans, arguing savers should have access to long-term crypto exposure. The request sets up a regulatory review with potential implications for custody, fiduciary duties, and new retirement products.

The American Federation of Teachers told the Senate Banking Committee the crypto market structure bill poses “profound risks” to retirement plans, a letter obtained by CNBC says. The union urged lawmakers to reconsider provisions that could expose pensions to crypto volatility.