Indiana’s Bold Move: Crypto in Public Pensions

In early December 2025, Indiana surprised a lot of people by stepping directly into the world of digital assets. A new proposal, House Bill 1042, was introduced by state representative Kyle Pierce, and it does something pretty groundbreaking. It requires public retirement programs to offer crypto linked exchange traded funds, or ETFs, as part of their standard investment lineup.

This means that many public employees, including teachers, government workers, and possibly police and firefighters, would now see crypto related funds sitting right next to traditional retirement options. Instead of crypto being something you explore on your own, Indiana wants it to be a normal part of the overall retirement system.

The bill also outlines a set of protections for everyday crypto users. It limits how much local governments can restrict or interfere with digital asset activity. That includes mining, payments, self custody, and private wallet use. Unless restrictions also apply to traditional financial assets, cities and counties would not be allowed to single out crypto for special limitations.

If this becomes law, Indiana would be the first state in the country to require Bitcoin linked ETFs in public pension systems. That alone sets a bold precedent for how states might approach retirement investing in the future.

 

A Broader Trend: States Are Warming Up To Crypto

Indiana might feel like it is out ahead, but the move fits into a larger trend. Several other states have already been exploring crypto exposure in different ways.

For example, some states have passed laws allowing retirement systems to purchase Bitcoin ETFs. Others have focused more on legal protections, such as protecting self custody, clarifying how digital assets are classified, or encouraging blockchain adoption within government departments.

What makes Indiana stand out is not the idea of crypto exposure itself, but the fact that the bill attempts to make it a standard part of public retirement offerings. This goes beyond optional access and moves toward normalizing crypto as a core part of long term, institutional investing.

 

What Supporters Are Saying

Backers of House Bill 1042 believe this is simply a reflection of financial reality. Crypto is becoming a bigger part of the global economy, and Indiana residents should have access to it in the same way they do to other investments.

Supporters argue that this gives people more financial flexibility, especially younger workers who want exposure to assets they believe will appreciate over the next several decades. They also point out that Bitcoin ETFs remove much of the risk and complexity of direct crypto ownership, since they function inside the regulated ETF structure.

The bill also proposes pilot programs to test blockchain technology within state agencies. That includes using distributed ledgers for record keeping, identity management, and improving government transparency and efficiency. Supporters say this could modernize the way public systems operate.

 

What Critics Are Concerned About

Not everyone is excited about crypto appearing in pension plans. Critics bring up several concerns.

One of the biggest issues is volatility. Cryptocurrencies can swing up or down rapidly, and pension systems are normally built around stability and long term reliability. Some people worry that exposing retirement funds to such unpredictable markets may not serve the best interests of retirees.

There are also questions about long term regulation. National rules around crypto continue to shift, and that uncertainty could create complications for publicly managed funds. Critics say lawmakers should move slowly and avoid building pension plans around assets that still feel risky to many households.

Another concern is whether the state should be responsible for promoting exposure to crypto at all. Some people feel that these decisions should be optional and entirely individual, rather than part of a default menu in a public benefits system.

 

Why Indiana’s Bill Could Be A Turning Point

If Indiana does pass House Bill 1042, the impact could go far beyond state borders.

It would accelerate the mainstream acceptance of crypto within public institutions. At the same time, it would create a legal framework that protects wallet access, mining, payments, and self custody rights. That combination of investment access and personal rights could easily serve as a template for other states.

It also encourages conversation about what public retirement investing should look like in the future. Some believe this is an opportunity for long term growth. Others feel the risks are too high. Either way, the bill forces the debate into the spotlight.

 

What To Watch Next

There are several things worth paying attention to in the months ahead.

First, lawmakers may modify the bill. They could adjust the requirement to offer crypto ETFs or turn it into an optional feature instead. They might also place limits on how much of a pension portfolio can be allocated to digital asset funds.

Second, pay attention to how pension administrators respond. Even if the bill passes, the practical process of integrating crypto ETFs will require careful planning.

Third, other states may begin crafting similar laws. Indiana’s move could spark a wave of legislative activity across the country as states look at whether they want to follow the same path.

Finally, federal regulatory changes will play a major role. As national crypto rules evolve, they could strengthen or weaken the long term viability of crypto pension investments.

 

Indiana’s proposal captures a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital assets. Crypto is no longer viewed as a fringe experiment. It is now part of serious, institutional conversation. Whether this turns out to be a smart long term shift or an overly ambitious leap is something only time will reveal, but it is clear that the landscape of public finance is changing quickly.

Opinion: Is Blockworks Right About Data or Are We Losing the Story in the Numbers?

 

When Blockworks announced it was winding down its news division to focus on data and analytics, it felt like another sign of the times. For many in the crypto media world, the move made sense. Analytics platforms are profitable, scalable, and easier to fund than newsrooms. But for others, it raised a deeper question: is this really what readers want?

I understand the tension. The business of news is hard. Advertising margins are thin, algorithms rule distribution, and audience attention shifts faster than a trending token. So when Blockworks’ co-founder Jason Yanowitz said that “data made up none of the company’s revenue a few years ago, and now represents about a third,” it’s clear the pivot has strong business logic behind it.

Still, business logic and reader loyalty are not always the same thing. And that’s where the story of Blockworks becomes about more than one company. It’s about what we value in media, and whether information without storytelling can truly connect to people.

 

The Smart Move Behind the Pivot

Let’s start with what Blockworks is doing right. The company’s Analytics 2.0 platform, launched earlier this year, is ambitious. It turns blockchain data into accessible dashboards, giving users insight into market movements, protocol performance, and on-chain metrics. For professionals who live and breathe crypto, this is gold.

It’s also smart business. Data subscriptions, research services, and institutional analytics are reliable revenue streams compared to the unpredictable economics of a newsroom. In an age when attention is fragmented and news cycles move at the speed of social media, building something predictable is a survival strategy.

But here’s where I pause. Because the future of media shouldn’t be about choosing between profitability and purpose. It should be about finding a way to blend the two.

 

What Made Blockworks Work

Blockworks didn’t build its reputation on dashboards or data feeds. It built it on trust.

Its news team earned credibility by translating complex crypto topics into clear stories. They didn’t just tell readers what happened; they explained why it mattered. That is the essence of journalism, and it’s what separates a data company from a media brand that resonates.

The truth is, data doesn’t replace journalism. It empowers it. When used well, analytics can add depth and accountability to reporting. Data gives journalists the evidence to back up their claims, to uncover patterns others miss, and to tell stories grounded in something verifiable.

But data without people becomes sterile. It informs, but it doesn’t inspire. It can tell you what’s happening in a market, but not how it affects someone’s livelihood, or what it means for a community, or why it matters to the future of an industry.

That connection, the one between the reader and the story, is what makes journalism irreplaceable.

 

A Bigger Question: What Do We Really Want From the News?

This moment is not just about Blockworks. It’s about all of us. What kind of media ecosystem are we building?

Readers often say they want quality journalism, but in practice, sensationalism drives clicks. Outrage spreads faster than nuance. The loudest voices, not the most accurate ones, dominate feeds and timelines.

So when a company like Blockworks pivots to data, it’s also responding to what the audience rewards. If engagement metrics favor emotion over analysis, who can blame media companies for shifting toward something more stable?

Still, we have to ask: Is this what we want the future of media to look like? Do we really want a landscape dominated by charts and algorithms, or do we still value stories that challenge us, connect us, and make us think?

Because if the industry only follows the numbers, it risks forgetting the people behind them.

 

Where the Opportunity Lies

The irony is that Blockworks has the perfect ingredients to do something revolutionary. Its data division could be a force that makes its journalism stronger, not redundant.

Imagine a newsroom powered by the same analytics that institutions pay for. Reporters with access to live blockchain metrics, uncovering trends before they surface, telling data-rich stories that still read like human ones. That’s the model the industry needs.

News doesn’t have to compete with data. It can evolve alongside it. The real opportunity is to combine truth and technology, evidence and empathy, insight and storytelling.

That’s how you create journalism that’s not just read, but trusted, and remembered.

 

The Verdict: Data Needs a Heartbeat

Blockworks’ pivot is understandable, even admirable in parts. It’s a reminder that media must evolve to survive. But if it comes at the cost of storytelling, it risks losing the connection that made it valuable in the first place.

Data can tell us what is happening. News tells us why it matters. We need both.

If Blockworks and others in the space can find that balance, if they can use their analytics not to replace journalism but to strengthen it, then maybe this isn’t the end of news after all.

 

Maybe it’s just the beginning of a smarter, more connected version of it.

 

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You can stay up to date on all News, Events, and Marketing of Rare Network, including Rare Evo: America’s Premier Blockchain Conference, happening  July 28th-31st, 2026 at The ARIA Resort & Casino, by following our socials on X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

 

Western Union Stablecoin Launch on Solana Could Transform Global Payments

 

A Turning Point for Remittances

Western Union is stepping boldly into the future of digital finance. The company has announced plans to launch a U.S. dollar backed stablecoin on the Solana blockchain in early 2026. This initiative marks one of the most significant moves yet by a global money transfer leader to embrace blockchain technology at scale.

Western Union’s stablecoin will be issued by a regulated U.S. bank partner and fully backed by cash and short-term Treasuries. The company aims to deliver instant cross-border settlement, dramatically lower transfer costs, and a modern user experience for millions of customers worldwide.

 

A Major Win for the Crypto Ecosystem

Western Union’s entry into blockchain payments signals a major milestone for the broader crypto industry. For years, stablecoins have demonstrated their potential to move money quickly and efficiently. Now, one of the largest payment companies in the world is validating that model.

Rather than viewing crypto as a competitor, Western Union is integrating it into its business. The company’s network of digital users, agents, and mobile partners will give blockchain payments global reach. This could open new corridors for stablecoin adoption in countries that depend heavily on remittances.

 

Why Solana is the Right Fit

Solana’s technology is at the heart of this project. The network is known for its high transaction speed, low fees, and scalability, which are critical factors for small-value remittances. Solana can process thousands of transactions per second with settlement finality measured in seconds.

These capabilities make Solana a practical choice for Western Union’s global payment volume. Low-cost transfers ensure affordability for customers, while rapid settlement creates a better experience for both senders and receivers. Solana’s expanding ecosystem of wallets, exchanges, and payment apps also strengthens the project’s foundation for future growth.

 

A Powerful Combination of Trust and Innovation

Western Union brings something to the blockchain space that few crypto projects can match: decades of experience in global money movement, deep compliance expertise, and an existing infrastructure for cash pick-up and payout. Combining these strengths with Solana’s performance creates a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.

Anchorage Digital, Western Union’s issuance and custody partner, ensures that the stablecoin is backed by regulated reserves and operates under strict banking standards. This structure combines the security of traditional banking with the speed and transparency of blockchain technology.

 

Expanding Financial Access

This project could have an especially meaningful impact in emerging markets. In many countries, remittances are a vital lifeline for families, yet traditional transfers can take days and cost up to ten percent in fees. A blockchain-based stablecoin can cut those costs significantly while allowing users to hold digital dollars safely during times of local currency volatility.

Western Union’s massive footprint, which includes hundreds of thousands of agent locations and mobile partnerships, allows it to bridge the gap between digital and physical money. Customers could send and receive digital dollars instantly, then cash out locally or use their balance in digital apps.

 

A Model for the Future of Payments

The Western Union stablecoin represents more than a new product. It is a roadmap for how traditional financial institutions can integrate crypto responsibly. It shows that public blockchains like Solana can serve as infrastructure for regulated money movement on a global scale.

This model could inspire other banks, payment firms, and fintechs to issue stablecoins backed by transparent reserves. It also sets the stage for a world where cross-border transactions happen in seconds, with full auditability and minimal friction.

 

Looking Ahead

Western Union’s stablecoin initiative positions it at the intersection of finance and technology. It reflects growing confidence in blockchain as a foundation for everyday payments. If successful, it could redefine how money moves around the world and accelerate mainstream adoption of stablecoins.

 

This is more than just another digital asset project. It is a vote of confidence in Solana’s technology and in the promise of crypto to create faster, fairer, and more inclusive financial systems. 

 

Stay Connected

You can stay up to date on all News, Events, and Marketing of Rare Network, including Rare Evo: America’s Premier Blockchain Conference, happening  July 28th-31st, 2026 at The ARIA Resort & Casino, by following our socials on X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.