Public's $65M CryptoIRA Move Mirrors Booming Demand for Tax-Advantaged Retirement Crypto

Public Acquires Alto's CryptoIRA Business to Expand Retirement Crypto Trading

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2025 - Public, a platform focused on long-term investing, has acquired the CryptoIRA business from Alto, a self-directed IRA provider, in a deal valued at $65 million in cash and stock. The acquisition, announced Nov. 13, will allow Public to integrate Alto's technology into its platform by early 2026, enabling members to trade cryptocurrencies within their IRAs. Until then, existing Alto CryptoIRA customers will continue to manage their accounts on the Alto platform.

The move underscores growing retail demand for crypto retirement options, fueled by institutional support and evolving regulatory frameworks. Public has expanded its crypto offerings in recent months, including adding more coins and enabling API trading. The integration of CryptoIRAs represents a strategic step to cater to investors seeking tax-advantaged ways to hold digital assets.

Alto's partnership with Public marks its first under a new Custodial Infrastructure as a Service (CaaS) model, positioning the company as a custodian rather than a direct provider in the crypto space. While Alto will no longer operate as a crypto IRA provider, it will retain its role in other private market investments, such as private equity, real estate, and venture capital.

Leif Abraham, co-CEO and co-founder of Public, emphasized the platform's unique position in offering crypto IRA capabilities. "Public is now one of the only platforms where customers can trade crypto in their IRAs," he said. The acquisition aligns with Public's broader push into crypto, targeting "upmarket" investors with a median age of 38-six years older than Robinhood's user base according to reports.

Eric Satz, CEO of Alto, called Public the "right partner" for distributing its CryptoIRA product, citing the company's understanding of sophisticated investors' needs. Alto will continue to serve as custodian for the accounts, ensuring security and compliance while Public handles trading functionality as reported.

The regulatory landscape for crypto retirement accounts remains fluid. While President Donald Trump's executive order aims to expand 401(k) asset options, specific rules for IRAs have yet to materialize. Public's expansion into this space reflects confidence in eventual clarity, allowing investors to grow crypto holdings tax-deferred or tax-free as noted by industry analysts.

For existing Alto customers, the transition will be seamless. Once integrated, they will access their crypto IRAs through Public, alongside the platform's broader asset classes. Alto's $2 billion in assets under management and 30,000+ IRA investors further bolster Public's market reach.

The acquisition highlights a broader trend of consolidation in the crypto fintech sector. As platforms compete to offer diversified retirement solutions, partnerships like this one aim to bridge the gap between traditional investing and emerging digital assets.