Unchained IRA: Platform Profile

Overview

Unchained IRA is a bitcoin-only retirement structure built around collaborative multisignature custody.

The defining feature is key control.

Current IRA vaults use a:

• Multisig structure: 2-of-3

Under the current structure:

• the client controls two private keys;
• Unchained controls one key;
• Fortis Bank remains the legal IRA custodian;
• legal title to IRA bitcoin remains with the custodian for tax-compliance purposes.

This is materially different from crypto IRA platforms where the customer holds no private keys.

May fit better for

• bitcoin-only retirement investors;
• investors who value multisig key control;
• investors who want on-chain verification;
• users comfortable managing hardware-wallet backups;
• investors rolling over existing retirement plans to bitcoin;
• investors seeking Traditional, Roth, or SEP treatment.

May fit less well for

• investors seeking altcoins;
• users uncomfortable managing private keys;
• investors seeking a zero-annual-fee IRA;
• users who want a broad crypto exchange;
• investors who trade frequently and are sensitive to 1.5% transaction fees;
• users seeking SIMPLE IRAs.

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Current IRA custodian

Current Unchained support:

• IRA custodian: Fortis Bank

Fortis provides the regulated IRA-custodian role.

Unchained provides vault, trading, coordination, monitoring, and key infrastructure.

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2-of-3 collaborative custody

Current IRA structure:

• Vault: 2-of-3 multisig
• Client keys: 2
• Unchained key: 1
• Custodian legal title: Yes

This lets the client independently verify bitcoin on-chain and retain two signing keys.

That does not mean the client can move IRA bitcoin freely without tax consequences.

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Compliance

Current IRA compliance materials state:

• keyholders act as conduits for the custodian;
• Unchained monitors IRA vault transactions;
• unauthorized movement can be reported as an IRA distribution;
• legal title remains with Fortis.

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Current annual fee

Current pricing:

• Annual IRA fee: $250
• Setup fee: $0 current pricing reference

The annual fee is per IRA account.

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Trading fee

Current pricing:

• IRA bitcoin trading fee: 1.5%

Current minimum trade:

• Trade minimum: $2,000

There is no minimum amount required merely to complete an IRA transfer, rollover, or annual contribution.

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Trading-fee example

A $10,000 bitcoin purchase:

$10,000 × 1.5% = $150

transaction-fee reference.

The bitcoin execution price itself can move.

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Fortis service fees

Current support identifies common Fortis charges including:

• Outbound wire: $35
• USD Roth conversion: $100
• USD distribution or transfer out: $25
• Account termination: $150

Current support states in-kind outbound transfers can avoid the termination fee in the described circumstance.

Use the current agreement/fee schedule for transaction-specific treatment.

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Account types

Current Unchained product page:

• Traditional IRA: Yes
• Roth IRA: Yes
• SEP IRA support: Yes
• SIMPLE IRA: No
• Solo 401K business structure: Yes

Current SEP support uses Fortis Bank and Form 5305 mechanics for eligible self-employed customers.

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Employer-plan rollovers

Current platform supports rollovers from eligible:

• 401(k);
• 403(b);
• TSP;
• other employer plans.

Current rollover partner disclosures show:

• Capitalize: Yes

Eligibility depends on the old plan and distribution rules.

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In-kind bitcoin IRA transfers

Current Unchained support allows eligible in-kind bitcoin transfers from:

• another bitcoin IRA;
• certain checkbook IRA entities holding only BTC/USD.

Fortis must approve the transfer.

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Bitcoin only

Current Unchained IRA:

• Bitcoin: Yes
• Altcoins: No
• Precious metals: No
• Stocks ETFs: No

The simplicity is intentional.

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No rehypothecation implication

Current vault model is designed around dedicated multisig bitcoin custody.

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Protection

Unchained Capital is not a bank.

Bitcoin in an IRA is not:

• FDIC insured: No
• SIPC protected: No
• Market loss protected: No

Fortis Bank's banking status does not make bitcoin itself an FDIC-insured deposit.

Assessment

Unchained IRA is the most structurally different platform in this batch.

It sacrifices asset breadth for private-key participation.

The customer controls two of three multisig keys while Fortis remains the legal IRA custodian.

Current headline pricing is also unusually transparent:

• $250 per IRA per year;
• 1.5% trading fee;
• $2,000 minimum trade;
• no funding minimum merely to transfer, roll over, or contribute.

The key distinction is:

key control is not the same thing as personal legal ownership outside the IRA.

The custodian remains part of the structure.