Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin-Backed Insurance Redefines Inflation-Resistant Savings and Retirement

Bitcoin-based Life Insurance Firm Meanwhile Secures $82M in Funding to Expand Savings and Retirement Products

Meanwhile, the first regulated life insurance company operating entirely in bitcoin, has raised $82 million in a funding round led by Bain Capital Crypto and Haun Ventures. This brings the company's total capital raised in 2025 to $122 million, following a $40 million Series A round in April. The new investment will accelerate the expansion of its bitcoin-denominated insurance and retirement products, which aim to protect against inflation and currency devaluation while leveraging the fixed supply of BTC. The round also included participation from Pantera Capital, Apollo, Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, and Stillmark, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as an early investor.

Founded in Bermuda and regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Meanwhile offers life insurance and annuity products denominated in bitcoin. Policyholders can save and transfer wealth using BTC, which the company argues provides a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation. However, this model exposes customers to bitcoin's price volatility. The firm's products are designed to mirror traditional long-term financial tools but are structured in BTC, creating a unique intersection of legacy finance and cryptocurrency. Meanwhile's business model includes generating returns through long-term lending to private credit markets, enabling it to meet claims obligations while maintaining solvency standards comparable to traditional insurers.

The company reported a 200% year-over-year growth in bitcoin assets under management, outpacing bitcoin's 34% price increase to record highs in 2025. This surge reflects rising demand from individuals and institutions seeking alternatives to dollar-based insurance and treasury products. Zac Townsend, Meanwhile's CEO, emphasized that the firm is "bringing the long-term capital discipline of life insurers to Bitcoin," positioning BTC as a foundation for inflation-resistant savings and institutional financial products. The growth in assets under management is measured in BTC terms and attributed to business expansion rather than price appreciation.

Investors and executives highlight the strategic importance of Meanwhile's role in the Bitcoin economy. Chris Ahn of Haun Ventures stated that the firm is "unlocking a new wave of innovation across Bitcoin-denominated capital markets," drawing parallels to the U.S. economy's reliance on insurance, pensions, and mortgages. Similarly, Stefan Cohen of Bain Capital Crypto described the investment as a "compliant path to Bitcoin-linked savings and retirement," underscoring the potential for regulated financial products in the crypto space. Meanwhile's approach aligns with broader trends in institutional adoption, as it partners with traditional insurers to develop bitcoin-linked retirement tools that meet regulatory standards.

The funding will support global expansion, including partnerships with existing insurers and the development of new products. Meanwhile plans to enter markets such as Hong Kong, Dubai, and Singapore in 2026, leveraging its regulatory compliance and Bermuda-based infrastructure. The company's flagship product-a life insurance policy denominated entirely in bitcoin-allows users to pay premiums in BTC over 10 years, with coverage ranging from 0.25 to 50 BTC. Townsend noted that the firm's lending activities are conducted "in a secured or over-collateralized fashion," aligning with the risk management standards of traditional insurers.

The latest round follows a broader shift in institutional interest in Bitcoin-based financial services. As demand for alternatives to fiat-linked products grows, Meanwhile's model represents a step toward mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency in insurance and retirement planning. The firm's success underscores the potential for Bitcoin to serve as a reserve asset in long-duration financial instruments, challenging conventional systems while addressing inflationary pressures and currency instability.