Crypto.com Launches IRAs, Prime Pensions Names CEO
Crypto.com Launches IRAs
Crypto.com is launching Crypto.com individual retirement accounts (IRAs), a crypto native mixed asset retirement accounts offering, featuring IRA accounts for Stock and Crypto holdings all accessible through the Crypto.com App.
Crypto.com IRAs provides users several benefits to create a mixed asset retirement account offering – including a design for tax-deferred or tax-free growth with Traditional or Roth IRA options, respectively; an up to 5% contribution match; an uncapped up to 2% match on transfers and rollovers, and zero account fees to open, transfer, or maintain an account.
“The launch of Crypto.com IRAs is our latest significant step in providing consumers the ability to act on and invest in financial opportunity,” said Kris Marszalek, co-founder and CEO of Crypto.com. “We are giving consumers the ability to build their future with the best investment products and opportunities in crypto and stocks, all seamlessly in one place.”
Additional user benefits of Crypto.com IRAs service include portfolio management features to trade crypto, plus stocks and ETFs, and includes features for Recurring Buys, Whale Baskets, and more. Users can also tap into high yield double-digit annual rewards with crypto staking, with earnings going straight into retirement savings.
Post: Prime Pensions Names CEO
Prime Pensions Names CEO
Prime Pensions, Inc. announced that Mark Cantin has joined the company as chief executive officer.
Cantin brings more than 35 years of operating experience across financial services to Prime Pensions. Prior to joining the company, Cantin served as chief executive officer at Brightway Insurance, a personal and commercial lines franchisor focused on insurance distribution. Previously, Cantin was a member of the executive committee and president of Field Operations at QBE North America, a division of QBE Insurance Group. Prior to joining QBE, he served as the chief marketing officer at USI Insurance Services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to Prime Pensions,” said Scott Feit, founder and president of the Company. “Mark’s diverse experience across the financial services landscape will help us accelerate a number of growth vectors we have today at Prime Pensions. His skillset and leadership in scaling high-growth financial services firms through organic strategies and acquisitions will help position the Company for continued market leadership.”
“I am honored to step into the CEO role at Prime Pensions and join such a top-notch leadership team,” said Cantin. “Under the current executive team, Prime Pensions has strongly solidified itself the provider of choice in the retirement sector. I am excited to partner with the Board and the entire Prime team to continue scaling this market-leading platform.”
“There is tremendous opportunity for the Company in the retirement industry today, particularly with the growing need for outsourced administrative and compliance services,” Cantin continued. “I am excited to help fulfill our vision for our customers, employees and partners by further cementing Prime Pensions as the leading partner in the retirement ecosystem.”
Post: Ameritas Welcomes Newly Elected Officers
Ameritas Welcomes Newly Elected Officers
Ameritas Chief Executive Officer Bob Jurgensmeier announced the following officer elections this week.
Rollin Biel has been named second vice president, financial reporting, accounting and finance. Biel was previously director, financial reporting, accounting and finance. He holds a four-year degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and an advanced degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Biel holds a FINRA Series 27 license.
Doug Freehling is now vice president, information technology, IT. Freehling was previously second vice president, information technology. He holds a four-year degree in finance and a minor in computer science from Nebraska Wesleyan University and holds an FLMI designation.
Alan Haaland has been named second vice president, wealth management and investment services, individual. Haaland was previously director, wealth management and investment services. He has a four-year degree from Trinity Western University in Canada and an advanced degree from Baker University in Kansas. Haaland also holds the FINRA Series 7 license.
Next: Hightower Advisors Acquires Journey Strategic Wealth
Hightower Advisors Acquires Journey Strategic Wealth
Hightower Advisors has entered into an agreement with Journey Strategic Wealth, marking its first external acquisition into Hightower Signature Wealth (HTSW).
Journey will bring approximately $5 billion in assets under management, furthering HTSW’s national footprint and broadening capabilities for both clients and advisors. Upon close, HTSW will represent more than $25 billion in assets under management, across 27 locations. The transaction is expected to close at the end of this month.
“Under Penny’s leadership, Journey has built a highly respected advisory business defined by incredible talent, consistent organic growth, and a clear client-first culture—all closely aligned with what we have built at Hightower Signature Wealth,” said Larry Restieri, CEO of Hightower Advisors. “As we continue to be a destination for advisors who want to scale thoughtfully, Penny will play an instrumental role in shaping advisor strategy and experience.”
Journey Strategic Wealth includes a team of 24 professionals, including 16 advisors, serving nearly 1,000 clients. As part of the integration, Phillips will assume expanded responsibilities within HTSW as head of Advisor Strategy and Client Experience.
“The future of wealth management belongs to firms that deliver personalization at scale, comprehensive services, and an integrated client experience,” said Phillips. “The expansion of HTSW brings together entrepreneurial leadership and enterprise resources, enhancing our ability to support advisors and serve clients. Through expanded capabilities—including tax preparation, trust and estate planning, and access to public and private markets—we are well positioned to deepen client relationships and support long-term growth.”
Hightower continues to invest in the expansion of HTSW, most recently announcing the addition of five advisory practices in January. The Journey transaction is scheduled to close at the end of the first quarter and Hightower expects to announce additional acquisitions into the HTSW brand in the first half of 2026.
Today, Hightower’s nationwide community includes 648 advisors across 33 states and the District of Columbia. As of December 31, 2025, Hightower and its affiliates manage approximately $353.7 billion in assets.
Dalphia Partners served as financial advisor and Seward & Kissel served as legal counsel to Journey Strategic Wealth for the transaction.
Next: Prime Capital Financial Brings in Advisor
Prime Capital Financial Brings in Advisor
Prime Capital Financial has added Sonali Patel, a San Antonio-based financial advisor with more than a decade of experience guiding clients in building, preserving and transferring wealth.
Prior to joining Prime Capital Financial, Patel served as vice president of Private Wealth, advising high-net-worth individuals and families on comprehensive wealth management strategies. She began her career as an equity analyst at Goldman Sachs before moving into institutional sales and trading roles focused on volatility research and hedging strategies.
“Sonali’s background across institutional markets and private wealth gives her a broad perspective that benefits clients with sophisticated financial needs,” said Glenn Spencer, chief executive officer of Prime Capital Financial. “Her addition builds on our presence in San Antonio and enhances the level of guidance we provide clients throughout the region.”
Prime Capital Financial established its San Antonio office through the 2022 acquisition of Crossvault Capital Management, a former partner firm that now operates fully as Prime Capital Financial. Patel’s addition reflects the firm’s continued investment in the San Antonio market and its long-term commitment to serving clients across Texas and the Southwest.
“Sonali’s depth of experience makes her a natural fit for our team,” said Marilou Moursund, CFA, partner and financial advisor at Prime Capital Financial. “We’re excited to welcome her and look forward to the impact she’ll have for clients here in San Antonio.”
“I’m excited to bring my approach to financial planning into an environment that values collaboration and shared expertise,” said Patel. “Being part of a team with deep resources and diverse perspectives strengthens the strategies I build and helps my clients make meaningful progress toward their goals.”
Next Post: Nationwide Retirement Solutions Promotes Sales Director
Nationwide Retirement Solutions Promotes Sales Director
Nationwide Retirement Solutions has promoted Ed Malone to associate vice president, Protected Retirement Sales where he will drive investment-only and Nationwide recordkeeping sales across the company’s suite of protected retirement solutions.
Malone reports to Cathy Marasco, vice president, Protected Retirement.
Malone, who was elevated from his previous position as director of sales for Protected Retirement, has been solely focused on Protected Retirement product distribution since 2020.
As associate vice president, Malone will expand investment-only distribution by strengthening strategic partnerships with key recordkeepers and platforms. He will also continue partnering closely with Nationwide’s distribution leaders and field teams to drive plan and participant adoption that supports improved retirement outcomes for the participants in the plans where Nationwide is the recordkeeper.
“Over the last several years, Ed has been dedicated to expanding access to Nationwide’s Protected Retirement solutions and enhancing the company’s focus on helping participants turn their savings into guaranteed retirement income,” said Marasco. “His leadership in championing Nationwide’s Protected Retirement story with key audiences has helped position the company as a recognized leader in delivering in-plan lifetime income and principal protection.”