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BlackRock’s IBIT powers new bitcoin annuity for U.S. retirees via Delaware Life
The first-of-its-kind FIA, according to the companies, offers crypto exposure with principal protection, aiming to attract cautious investors near retirement.
Jan 21, 2026, 7:18 p.m.
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What to know:
- Delaware Life has partnered with BlackRock to launch what it claims to be the first U.S. fixed index annuity offering bitcoin exposure.
- The annuity tracks a BlackRock index that blends U.S. equities and bitcoin, using IBIT to manage crypto access and volatility.
- The product targets risk-conscious investors by combining growth potential with protection of the original investment.
Delaware Life Insurance Company said it has become the first U.S. insurer to offer a cryptocurrency-linked investment within a fixed index annuity (FIA) after partnering with BlackRock.
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The company announced Tuesday it will add the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index to its FIA product suite, giving investors a new way to access bitcoin returns while protecting their principal.
The index blends U.S. equities with bitcoin exposure through BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). It targets a 12% volatility level using dynamic cash allocations designed to limit bitcoin’s price swings.
That kind of structure may appeal to investors nearing retirement, who often avoid crypto markets due to their risk and complexity. This FIA offers exposure to both stocks and bitcoin, without putting any of the investor’s original contribution at risk.
"This launch builds around the tremendous success and client demand we have seen for IBIT, enabling insurance clients to now add bitcoin exposure as part of a broader indexed annuity strategy,” said Robert Mitchnick, BlackRock’s global head of digital assets. He said the index was built to support insurance products, allowing clients to participate in bitcoin’s upside without having to buy or custody the asset directly.
The move by Delaware Life, a subsidiary of Group 1001, reflects a broader shift in how legacy financial institutions are engaging with digital assets. IBIT, BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, launched in 2024 and quickly became the largest and most liquid product of its kind. Now, it’s being used to bridge traditional retirement products with the crypto market.
AI Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy.
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