Crypto IRAs Surge 100% in Three Months as BlockTrust Hits $50 Million

As cryptocurrencies gain traction as a mature asset class, more investors are exploring ways to integrate them into long-term financial planning, particularly through retirement accounts. Many are turning to crypto IRAs to combine the tax benefits of retirement accounts with the growth potential and diversification offered by digital assets. However, this approach is not without risk, as cryptocurrency's inherent volatility can significantly affect portfolio values, especially for those nearing retirement who may not have time to recover from sharp market downturns.

To understand how this evolving landscape is shaping investor behavior, an interview was conducted with Jonathan Rose, CEO of BlockTrust IRA. BlockTrust IRA is a platform that helps investors build diversified, crypto-inclusive retirement portfolios through AI-powered managed accounts and self-directed IRAs. Since the launch of its Managed Crypto IRA three months ago, the platform has onboarded nearly $50 million in managed IRAs, with an average IRA transfer or 401k rollover around $50,000. Rose is confident that BlockTrust will reach its $100 million AUM target by year-end, citing strong demand, a streamlined onboarding process, and increasing referrals.

Rose drew a clear distinction between crypto IRAs and spot Bitcoin ETFs, stating that ETFs are passive, one-size-fits-all products, while BlockTrust offers an actively managed, tax-advantaged way to capture the upside of a digital asset boom and mitigate downside risk. He emphasized that more investors are realizing that traditional portfolios aren’t enough to keep pace with inflation, global instability, or tech disruption. Crypto is no longer just a speculative play; it’s becoming a strategic asset. At BlockTrust, significant growth in IRA rollovers has been seen from people who want exposure to digital assets but also want a managed, secure, and tax-advantaged way to do it.

Rose also highlighted that volatility is often seen as a downside in crypto, but for BlockTrust, it’s an opportunity. The AI-driven trading algorithm is designed to thrive in dynamic markets by identifying trends and capitalizing on momentum shifts across Bitcoin and Ethereum. The platform doesn’t just hold Bitcoin and hope it goes up; it uses data and cutting-edge technology to actively manage positions, hedge against downside, and protect capital. Risk isn’t eliminated, but BlockTrust helps clients navigate that risk in a strategic way.

Recent developments, such as the passage of the Carey Bill in April, are gradually solidifying the promise of a crypto-friendly regulatory environment. This shift should lower the perceived risk, encourage adoption, and empower everyday Americans to diversify with confidence. BlockTrust expects this policy momentum to further accelerate the growth of self-directed crypto retirement accounts. The platform is on track to hit its $100 million AUM target by the end of the year, with strong demand, a simple onboarding process, and favorable market conditions driving its growth.

Regarding the growing popularity of spot Bitcoin ETFs, Rose views them as complementary to BlockTrust’s offerings. ETFs help legitimize the asset class, bring in institutional flows, and raise awareness, benefiting everyone in the space. However, from a client’s perspective, it is critical to understand the fundamental differences between ETFs and what BlockTrust offers. ETFs are passive, one-size-fits-all products, while BlockTrust provides an actively managed, tax-advantaged way to capture the upside of a digital asset boom and mitigate downside risk. Ultimately, any developments that offer increased exposure to cryptocurrencies should be beneficial to BlockTrust’s continued growth.