An important turning point in the world of finance and pensions comes from the United States: Fidelity Investments, the largest American provider of 401(k) retirement accounts, has announced the introduction of cryptocurrencies in individual retirement accounts (IRA). Investors can now include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC) in their retirement plans. A decision that opens up new scenarios for the integration of digital currencies into long-term savings.
Fidelity: a “Crypto IRA” to diversify the retirement future with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin
With the launch of the new service, Fidelity allows its clients to open a “crypto IRA“, a retirement account that permits the purchase and holding of cryptocurrencies. Already known to the retail public through Fidelity’s trading crypto service, the three digital coins can now be an integral part of the retirement investment strategy.
The company will directly manage the custody of the assets, thus ensuring greater security for investors who choose to bet on valute virtuali as a form of accumulation for their future.
Bitcoin, Ethereum e Litecoin: Fidelity chooses a trio of historic cryptocurrencies
The three cryptocurrencies selected by Fidelity are not chosen at random, but represent established realities in the digital world.
– Bitcoin, with a market capitalization of 1.7 trillion dollars, is by far the most important and recognized cryptocurrency in the world. Born in 2009, it is considered the pioneer of the entire sector.
– Ethereum, second in the ranking by market value — currently at 228 billion dollars — is famous for having introduced the concept of smart contracts and for having a vast ecosystem of decentralized applications.
– Litecoin, created in 2011 as a faster and cheaper version of Bitcoin, is currently ranked 23rd among cryptocurrencies, with a capitalization of about 6.4 billion dollars.
These three currencies have demonstrated uncommon resilience over the years, representing an interesting option for those seeking diversification in their retirement portfolio.
From institutional adoption to new investment tools
The interest of Fidelity in criptovalute is not new. Already in 2022, in fact, the company had supported the creation of EDX Markets, a crypto trading platform for institutional investors, together with Wall Street giants like Charles Schwab, Citadel Securities, and Paradigm.
At the same time, Fidelity had also announced the possibility for “plan sponsors” (the managers of retirement plans) to add a Digital Assets Account among the options available in 401(k) plans. Steps that were foreshadowing the current opening towards a crypto IRA dedicated to individual investors.
But the news doesn’t end here: last year the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the launch of ETF funds based on cryptocurrencies, and Fidelity was among the few large companies to receive the green light. The results are already evident.
ETF on Bitcoin and Ethereum: the surprising numbers
The Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) is among the most performing ETFs available on the market. With 11.4 billion dollars in net inflows, it ranks second out of a total of 11 funds currently traded. The overall collection in cryptocurrency-based ETFs has now reached 100 billion dollars.
Even the ETF on Ethereum, the Fidelity Ethereum Fund (FETH), launched in July 2024, has shown encouraging signs. With 1.4 billion dollars in net inflows, it is second only to another fund among the nine currently available on the market.
These data confirm how the institutional and private demand for exposure to regulated crypto-assets is experiencing significant growth, and that Fidelity is playing a leading role in building a structured and secure offering for long-term investors.
A cultural change in wealth management
The opening to cryptocurrencies in retirement accounts reflects a profound cultural change. If until a few years ago digital currencies were considered highly speculative instruments and far from the prudent logic of retirement planning, today they are increasingly integrated into diversified investment portfolios, even for retirement purposes.
The choice of Fidelity is a clear signal: digital assets are establishing themselves as a new recognized and strategic asset class, no longer relegated to the niche of enthusiasts or early adopters. With the security of institutional custody and regulatory-approved instruments like ETFs or crypto IRAs, cryptocurrencies gain in credibility and accessibility.
Market performance
At the time of the announcement, the behavior of the three selected cryptocurrencies was heterogeneous. Bitcoin recorded a rise of 1.3%, a signal of growing confidence from investors. In contrast, Ethereum and Litecoin showed slight declines, while maintaining a stable position in the ranking of the most capitalized cryptocurrencies.
This volatility, which is still inherent in a young market, does not seem to discourage the big managers nor the pension investors who are looking for new sources of return in an uncertain economic context.
Fidelity sets the course for the future
With this new move, Fidelity confirms itself as a leader at the forefront in the integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional retirement products. The company thus offers its millions of clients a way to access a rapidly transforming world, while maintaining the guarantees and solidity of institutional asset management.
The message is clear: the world of decentralized finance is not only the future but also the present — and it can be an integral part of a well-structured retirement savings plan.
Cryptocurrencies, once considered a gamble, are now becoming a realistic and plannable piece in building one’s financial future. Fidelity has just opened a door that, in all likelihood, many others will follow.
