NEW YORK — March 24, 2026
Executive Summary
Public, the AI-native investing platform, has announced the launch of crypto trading within Traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), enabling members to incorporate digital assets into their long-term retirement strategies. The feature allows users to trade major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana within tax-advantaged retirement accounts, offering the potential for tax-deferred or tax-free growth depending on account type.
The launch marks an expansion of Public’s retirement investing capabilities by integrating crypto directly into its existing IRA infrastructure. Members can now manage crypto, equities, and options within a single retirement portfolio, aligning digital assets with traditional investment strategies. According to the company, the offering is designed to provide a more streamlined approach for investors seeking to diversify retirement holdings across multiple asset classes while maintaining tax efficiency.
Announcement Overview
Public has introduced crypto trading capabilities within its IRA product suite, allowing members to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly inside Traditional and Roth IRAs. This development enables investors to incorporate digital assets into retirement portfolios while potentially benefiting from tax-advantaged investment structures.
The company stated that crypto has evolved into a widely recognized asset class; however, access to crypto within retirement accounts has historically been limited for everyday investors. By embedding crypto functionality directly into its IRA platform, Public aims to simplify access and provide a unified environment for long-term investing.
Through this integration, users can trade a range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, within accounts designed for retirement savings. The feature is intended to allow investors to build and manage positions in digital assets alongside traditional securities without requiring separate platforms or accounts.
Public also noted that the launch aligns with its broader platform approach, which combines multiple asset classes within a single interface. This approach enables members to construct diversified portfolios spanning equities, options, and now cryptocurrencies, all within a retirement-focused structure.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement Type: Product launch — crypto trading in retirement accounts
- Company Name: Public
- Platform Description: AI-native investing platform
- Announcement Date: March 24, 2026
- Announcement Location: New York, United States
Product and Feature Details
- Core Announcement: Crypto trading is now available inside retirement accounts
- Account Types Supported: Traditional IRA and Roth IRA
- Functionality: Members can trade cryptocurrencies within IRA accounts
- Purpose of Feature: Enable long-term crypto investing within retirement structures
- Primary Use Case: Building crypto positions for retirement
Supported Assets and Investment Scope
- Cryptocurrencies Available: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and more
- Asset Class Classification: Crypto identified as a mainstream/global asset class
- Investment Scope: Integration of crypto alongside other asset classes
Tax Treatment and Financial Benefits
- Tax Advantage (Traditional IRA): Potential tax-deferred earnings
- Tax Advantage (Roth IRA): Potential tax-free earnings
- Investment Horizon: Long-term wealth building within retirement accounts
Platform Integration and Portfolio Capabilities
- Portfolio Integration: Crypto can be managed alongside equities and options
- Account Structure: Unified retirement portfolio across multiple asset classes
- Infrastructure Integration: Crypto functionality embedded directly within IRA system
Market Context
- Industry Positioning: Crypto has become a mainstream asset class
- Identified Gap: Lack of straightforward access to crypto in retirement strategies for everyday investors
- Solution Provided: Direct integration of crypto into IRA infrastructure
Strategic Purpose of Launch
- Primary Objective: Remove barriers to incorporating crypto into retirement investing
- Secondary Objective: Enable diversification across asset classes within retirement accounts
- Long-Term Goal: Support long-term position building in crypto
Leadership Statement
- Executive: Leif Abraham
- Title: Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Public
- Statement Context:
- Crypto has evolved from experimental to global asset class
- Retirement investing has not kept pace
- Launch enables access to tax benefits
- Expands asset class availability within retirement investing
Incentives and Contribution Benefits
- IRA Contribution Incentive: 1% match on all annual IRA contributions
- IRA Transfer Incentive: Uncapped 1% match on IRA transfers
- 401(k) Rollover Incentive: Uncapped 1% match on rollovers
- Conditions: Terms apply
Access and Onboarding
- Account Opening URL: https://public.com/ira
- User Action Required: Open a retirement account to begin using feature
- Eligibility: Public members
Company Details — Public
- Company Name: Public
- Platform Type: AI-native investing platform
- Year Launched: 2019
- Headquarters: New York City
- Platform Capabilities:
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Crypto
- Options
- User Base Description: Affluent investors
- Assets on Platform: Billions in assets
Funding and Investors
- Total Funding Raised: Over $400 million
- Notable Investors: Accel, Tiger Global
Additional Structural Elements
- Introductory Value Proposition: Members can grow crypto positions with potential tax advantages
- Core Differentiation: Crypto trading directly within retirement accounts
- Positioning Statement: Simplifies crypto inclusion in retirement strategies
Summary of Core Announcement Components
- New Capability: Crypto trading in IRAs
- Who Benefits: Public members / everyday investors
- Where Applied: Within Public platform retirement accounts
- When Effective: As of announcement date (March 24, 2026)
- Why Introduced: To enable tax-advantaged crypto investing for retirement
- How Delivered: Integration into existing IRA infrastructure
Integration of Crypto Into Retirement Accounts
Public’s launch introduces the ability for investors to hold and trade cryptocurrencies directly within retirement accounts, a structure traditionally used for long-term savings in assets such as stocks and bonds. By incorporating crypto into Traditional and Roth IRAs, the platform provides a framework for investors to align digital asset exposure with retirement planning.
Traditional IRAs typically allow for tax-deferred growth, where taxes are applied upon withdrawal, while Roth IRAs enable tax-free withdrawals under qualifying conditions. By extending these structures to crypto investments, Public enables members to potentially apply these tax treatments to gains generated from digital asset trading within their retirement accounts.
The integration is designed to operate within Public’s existing infrastructure, allowing users to manage retirement investments without needing to transfer funds across multiple platforms. This unified approach allows investors to maintain visibility and control over their holdings across different asset classes within a single account environment.
Public indicated that the feature is intended to simplify the process of incorporating crypto into retirement portfolios by removing operational and accessibility barriers that have historically limited participation.
Expansion of Multi-Asset Retirement Portfolios
With the addition of crypto trading in IRAs, Public members can now construct multi-asset retirement portfolios that include a combination of cryptocurrencies, equities, and options. This integration allows users to manage different investment categories within a single platform, supporting portfolio diversification across asset classes.
The platform’s design enables investors to allocate capital across traditional and digital assets without needing separate brokerage or exchange accounts. This unified structure is intended to streamline portfolio management and provide a consolidated view of retirement holdings.
Public stated that the ability to combine multiple asset classes within one retirement account supports long-term portfolio construction strategies. By enabling access to crypto alongside equities and options, the platform provides flexibility for investors seeking to diversify their retirement savings across different types of investments.
The company also highlighted that the integration supports long-term investment approaches by allowing users to maintain positions in digital assets within a retirement framework designed for extended time horizons.
Incentive Structure for Retirement Contributions
As part of its retirement offering, Public provides incentives designed to encourage long-term investing within IRA accounts. The platform offers a 1% match on all annual IRA contributions, as well as an uncapped 1% match on IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers, subject to applicable terms.
These incentives apply to contributions made into retirement accounts and are intended to support users in building their investment portfolios over time. By offering matching contributions, Public aligns its platform incentives with long-term retirement savings objectives.
The inclusion of crypto trading within IRA accounts extends these incentives to portfolios that include digital assets. Investors contributing to their retirement accounts may benefit from both the platform’s matching structure and the potential tax advantages associated with IRA accounts.
Public indicated that these features are part of its broader approach to enabling users to build long-term wealth through diversified investment strategies.
Leadership Commentary
Leif Abraham, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Public, commented on the launch, stating:
“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 statement highlights the company’s perspective on the evolution of crypto as an asset class and the role of retirement platforms in adapting to that evolution. The introduction of crypto trading within IRAs reflects Public’s approach to expanding the range of investment options available to its users.
Platform Access and Account Setup
Public has made the crypto IRA feature available through its platform, allowing members to open or manage retirement accounts directly online. Users can access the feature by creating a retirement account through the company’s IRA portal.
The platform enables investors to initiate contributions, transfers, or rollovers into IRA accounts and begin trading across supported asset classes, including cryptocurrencies. The integration is designed to provide a seamless onboarding experience for users seeking to incorporate crypto into their retirement strategies.
Public stated that members can access the feature through its existing platform interface, allowing them to manage retirement investments alongside other portfolios within the same ecosystem.
To begin using the feature, users can visit:
About Public
Public is an AI-native investing platform that provides access to a range of asset classes, including stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and options, enabling users to build diversified portfolios. Founded in 2019, the company has developed a platform that integrates multiple investment types within a unified interface.
The platform is designed to support long-term investing by providing tools and access to various financial instruments. Public has been trusted with billions in assets from affluent investors, reflecting its position within the investment platform landscape.
Headquartered in New York City, Public has raised over $400 million in funding from investors including Accel and Tiger Global. The company’s platform incorporates AI-driven capabilities to support investment decision-making and portfolio construction.
Public continues to expand its offerings by introducing new features and asset classes, including the integration of crypto trading within retirement accounts.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit public.com/ira.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement