Zionsville, United States — Delaware Life Insurance Company has announced the launch of a fixed indexed annuity that incorporates the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index, expanding its fixed indexed annuity portfolio with an index that includes exposure to bitcoin through a professionally constructed benchmark.
Launch Overview
Delaware Life Insurance Company has expanded its fixed indexed annuity portfolio through the introduction of an index option that incorporates digital asset exposure. The launch adds the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index as a selectable index within Delaware Life’s fixed indexed annuity offerings, marking the company’s entry into indexed annuity structures that reference cryptocurrency-linked components.
According to the announcement, the index combines traditional equity exposure with bitcoin exposure within a single benchmark, delivered through a fixed indexed annuity structure. The launch positions Delaware Life as an insurance carrier offering an index containing cryptocurrency exposure within an annuity framework, while maintaining the defining characteristics of fixed indexed annuity products.
Key Launch Details
- Launch type: Fixed indexed annuity index option introduction
- Announcement date: January 20, 2026
- Issuing insurance carrier: Delaware Life Insurance Company
- Corporate parent: Group 1001
- Index introduced: BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index
- Index sponsor and publisher: BlackRock
- Index classification: Multi-asset benchmark combining equities and bitcoin exposure
- Annuity category: Fixed indexed annuity (FIA)
- Launch distinction: Index containing cryptocurrency exposure introduced within an FIA
- Equity component: U.S. equity exposure
- Digital asset component: Bitcoin exposure
- Bitcoin exposure vehicle: iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT)
- Index risk framework: Balanced Risk methodology
- Volatility objective: 12% target volatility
- Distribution format: Index option within fixed indexed annuity contracts
- Delaware Life products offering the index:
- Momentum Growth™
- Momentum Growth Plus™
- DualTrack Income™
- Geographic market: United States
- Launch timing reference: Coincides with bitcoin’s 17th anniversary
- Related market reference: Coincides with the second anniversary of IBIT
Product Scope at Launch
At launch, the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index is offered as an index option within Delaware Life’s fixed indexed annuity lineup. Policyholders selecting this option gain index-linked exposure tied to the performance of the blended benchmark as defined by the index methodology.
The index integrates U.S. equity exposure alongside bitcoin exposure through a structured allocation approach. Bitcoin exposure within the index is accessed through the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), which is referenced as the underlying vehicle providing bitcoin-linked exposure within the benchmark.
The fixed indexed annuity structure provides principal protection characteristics consistent with fixed indexed annuity products, while allowing participation in index-linked performance according to product terms.
Index Construction and Design
The BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index is designed to combine multiple asset components within a single benchmark. According to the announcement, the index blends U.S. equities with bitcoin exposure to create a diversified return profile.
The index employs a risk-managed design that targets a volatility level of 12 percent. This structure incorporates dynamic adjustments intended to manage exposure levels in response to market conditions, aligning the index with a balanced risk framework.
Bitcoin exposure within the index is obtained through the use of the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). The index methodology references IBIT as the instrument used to represent bitcoin exposure within the overall benchmark.
Fixed Indexed Annuity Integration
Within Delaware Life’s fixed indexed annuity products, the index functions as one of several index options available to policyholders. The annuity contract links interest crediting to the performance of the selected index, subject to the terms and conditions of the annuity product.
The integration of the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index allows policyholders to incorporate exposure to a blended equity and digital asset benchmark as part of their annuity strategy. The annuity framework continues to provide principal protection characteristics associated with fixed indexed annuities.
Product Portfolio Inclusion
The index option is available across three Delaware Life fixed indexed annuity products. Momentum Growth™, Momentum Growth Plus™, and DualTrack Income™ each include the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index as an available index selection.
These products form part of Delaware Life’s broader annuity portfolio, which is designed to offer customizable solutions to financial professionals and their clients. The addition of the index expands the set of index options available within these annuity products.
Strategic Collaboration With BlackRock
The launch reflects a collaboration between Delaware Life Insurance Company and BlackRock. BlackRock serves as the index sponsor and provider for the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index referenced within the annuity products.
According to the announcement, the collaboration enables the inclusion of a professionally designed index that incorporates bitcoin exposure within a fixed indexed annuity structure. BlackRock’s role encompasses index design, methodology, and publication.
Market Timing and Context
The launch coincides with the seventeenth anniversary of bitcoin and the second anniversary of the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). The timing marks a milestone in the integration of digital asset-linked indices within traditional retirement-oriented insurance products.
The announcement situates the launch within the broader evolution of retirement planning products that incorporate diversified asset exposure through index-based structures.
Official Statements
“We’re proud to partner with BlackRock as the first insurance carrier to offer cryptocurrency exposure through a fixed index annuity,” said Colin Lake, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delaware Life Marketing.
“This launch builds around the tremendous success and client demand we have seen for IBIT, enabling insurance clients to now add bitcoin exposure as part of a broader indexed annuity strategy,” said Robert Mitchnick, Global Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock.
Regulatory and Product Governance Framework
The fixed indexed annuity products issued by Delaware Life Insurance Company operate within the regulatory structure governing life insurance and annuity offerings in the United States. The introduction of the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index as an index option occurs within Delaware Life’s existing annuity governance and product administration framework.
The index serves as a reference benchmark used in interest-crediting calculations under the annuity contracts. Governance of index design, calculation methodology, and ongoing publication is provided by BlackRock through its index services business. Delaware Life administers annuity issuance, servicing, and contract performance according to applicable insurance product standards and distribution practices.
Fixed Indexed Annuity Structure and Application
Delaware Life’s fixed indexed annuities link contract interest crediting to the performance of selected indices rather than direct investment in underlying assets. Policyholders allocate contract value to one or more index options available within the annuity contract design.
The BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index functions as one such option. Interest crediting reflects index performance subject to annuity contract parameters, including participation rates and crediting formulas defined within each product. The annuity structure maintains its core characteristics while referencing the performance of the blended index.
Integration of Index Into Named Products
The BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index is offered as an index option within three Delaware Life fixed indexed annuity products. These products include Momentum Growth™, Momentum Growth Plus™, and DualTrack Income™.
Each product represents a distinct annuity design supporting accumulation and income planning objectives within the fixed indexed annuity category. The inclusion of the index expands the available index selections within these products, providing financial professionals with an additional benchmark option to support client strategies.
BlackRock Index Services Role
BlackRock Index Services, LLC designs, sponsors, and publishes the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index. The index applies a rules-based methodology that combines exposure to U.S. equities with exposure to bitcoin through a structured asset allocation process.
The index incorporates a balanced risk design targeting a twelve percent volatility objective. This framework uses predefined rules to manage exposure levels as market conditions evolve. BlackRock Index Services maintains responsibility for index calculation, maintenance, and dissemination.
Bitcoin Exposure Reference Mechanism
Bitcoin exposure within the index is achieved through reference to the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). IBIT functions as the instrument representing bitcoin exposure within the index construction.
IBIT is described in the announcement as the largest and most liquid bitcoin exchange-traded product based on trading activity metrics. The index methodology incorporates IBIT alongside U.S. equity exposure to form a blended benchmark.
Distribution Through Financial Professionals
Delaware Life distributes its fixed indexed annuity products through licensed financial professionals. These professionals access the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index as part of the available index options within the applicable annuity products.
The launch expands the set of index choices available to financial professionals supporting retirement planning and long-term accumulation strategies. Product details, index documentation, and annuity specifications are provided through Delaware Life’s official product channels.
Delaware Life Corporate Overview
Delaware Life Insurance Company operates as a life insurance and annuity provider serving the United States market. The company offers a range of annuity solutions designed to support retirement income planning and accumulation objectives.
Delaware Life functions as a subsidiary of Group 1001. The company emphasizes customizable annuity structures and collaboration with financial professionals to address varied client needs.
Group 1001 Organizational Context
Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC operates as a collective supporting insurance and financial services businesses across multiple segments. The organization maintains a portfolio of brands spanning annuities, life insurance, health, and property and casualty offerings.
As of September 30, 2025, Group 1001 reported more than 1,500 employees and combined assets under management of $76.4 billion. The organization reported more than 496,000 active annuity contracts and life insurance policies across its operating companies.
Brands within the Group 1001 portfolio include Delaware Life, GainbridgeSM, Clear Spring Life and Annuity Company, Clear Spring Property and Casualty Group, Clear Spring Health, and the RVI Group.
BlackRock Corporate Overview
BlackRock operates as a provider of investment management and financial technology services. The firm supports investors through asset management, risk analytics, and advisory solutions across global markets.
BlackRock Index Services, LLC publishes indices used for portfolio benchmarking and investment product construction. The BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index forms part of BlackRock’s index lineup supporting multi-asset investment strategies.
Market Alignment and Launch Timing
The launch aligns with the seventeenth anniversary of bitcoin and the second anniversary of the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). The timing highlights the growing incorporation of digital asset-linked benchmarks within traditional insurance-based retirement products.
The introduction of the index reflects ongoing product development within the fixed indexed annuity category, where insurers expand index options to reflect evolving market structures.
Operational Status and Next Actions
The BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index is available as an index option at launch across Momentum Growth™, Momentum Growth Plus™, and DualTrack Income™ fixed indexed annuity products. Financial professionals may access the index option through Delaware Life’s standard annuity distribution channels.
Delaware Life provides product information and index details through its official product resources. The index becomes part of the company’s fixed indexed annuity product lineup and is administered within existing product servicing and lifecycle processes.
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