Public has added crypto trading to Individual Retirement Accounts, allowing users to buy and manage digital assets inside Traditional IRA and Roth IRA accounts. The offering includes major tokens such as Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana, placing crypto alongside traditional investments inside the platform’s retirement account framework.
The launch targets a gap that has persisted for retail investors. Crypto has long been available in standard brokerage accounts, yet access inside tax-advantaged retirement vehicles has remained limited. By building crypto trading directly into its IRA infrastructure, Public is giving users a way to manage digital assets, equities, and options within a single account structure instead of splitting holdings across separate platforms.
Public ties crypto access to long-term retirement portfolios
Leif Abraham, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Public, said crypto has evolved from an experimental asset class into a global asset class, while retirement investing has not kept pace. He said the IRA rollout is intended to let investors access potential tax benefits and trade a wider range of asset classes for retirement.
According to the source material, Traditional IRAs allow tax-deferred growth, while Roth IRAs can offer tax-free withdrawals under certain conditions. Bringing crypto into these account types may appeal to investors seeking long-term exposure while also considering tax treatment. The move also reflects a broader shift in portfolio construction as investors look beyond stocks and bonds and add alternative assets to long-duration strategies.
Trading happens inside the IRA without separate custody or wallets
Public’s setup lets users trade crypto directly within their IRA accounts, with no separate custody arrangement and no external wallet requirement. That structure places digital and traditional assets inside one interface, making it easier to view allocations, adjust positions, and manage portfolio exposure in one place.
The platform said users can allocate capital across crypto and traditional assets based on individual preferences and long-term objectives. Public is also offering a 1% match on IRA contributions and transfers, subject to conditions. The incentive is designed to encourage funding and account consolidation on the platform.
Crypto moves closer to the core product set of retail platforms
The launch points to a larger product shift across retail investing. Instead of keeping crypto in a separate category, platforms are increasingly placing it next to equities, options, and fixed income products inside unified account environments. For brokerages, the ability to offer crypto exposure within tax-advantaged accounts may become a competitive feature as product menus expand.
The source also notes that retirement-account crypto offerings come with added questions around regulation, custody, and investor protection. Crypto assets can be more volatile than traditional investments. A simpler interface does not remove that risk. Public’s latest move shows digital assets continuing to enter mainstream financial products, while investor adoption will depend on how users weigh tax advantages against market volatility.