Corporate Bitcoin Adoption Expands: Insurance, Fast Food, and Media Companies Integrate Cryptocurrency

Delaware Life Pioneers Bitcoin-Linked Annuity Product

Delaware Life Insurance Company has launched the first fixed index annuity in the United States linked to a cryptocurrency-focused index, marking a significant step in mainstream Bitcoin adoption within the insurance sector ^[2].

The product is tied to the BlackRock U.S. Equity Bitcoin Balanced Risk 12% Index, which allocates 74% to the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF, 25% to the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), and maintains a 1% cash position ^[2]. The index employs a 12% target volatility strategy using dynamic cash adjustments to manage Bitcoin's price fluctuations ^[2].

"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, Global Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock ^[2].

As of December 31, 2024, the index delivered a six-month return of 1.88%, though it experienced a 3.16% decline over a three-month period due to Bitcoin's recent price movements ^[2]. The product is available across three Delaware Life annuity offerings: Momentum Growth, Momentum Growth Plus, and DualTrack Income ^[2].

Steak 'n Shake Introduces Bitcoin Employee Compensation

Fast-food chain Steak 'n Shake announced a Bitcoin bonus program for hourly employees, launching March 1 at company-operated locations ^[3]. Workers will earn a Bitcoin bonus worth $0.21 for every hour worked, with rewards vesting after two years of employment ^[3].

The initiative follows the company's $10 million Bitcoin treasury purchase disclosed last week ^[3]. The burger chain previously integrated Bitcoin Lightning Network payments at all U.S. locations in 2025, which executives credited with reducing card processing fees by approximately half ^[3]. Same-store sales increased more than 10% in the second quarter of 2025, according to company statements ^[3].

The $0.21 hourly rate represents roughly 1% of the U.S. federal minimum wage and references Bitcoin's fixed supply cap of 21 million coins ^[3]. The program will be administered through partnership with Fold, a Bitcoin rewards application ^[3].

"Bitcoin is faster than credit cards, and when customers choose to pay in Bitcoin, we're saving 50% in processing fees," said Executive Dan Edwards at a Bitcoin conference, adding that on launch day, one out of every 500 Bitcoin transactions worldwide occurred at Steak 'n Shake locations ^[3].

Trump Media Announces Token Airdrop Strategy

Trump Media has revealed plans for a digital token airdrop targeting shareholders, setting February 2, 2026, as the qualification date ^[1]. Eligibility requires holding at least one share of Trump Media stock on that date, either as a registered shareholder or beneficial owner ^[1].

The planned token will be non-tradable and will not provide voting rights or claims to future company profits ^[1]. Following the qualification date, Trump Media intends to create the tokens through cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com, display them on the blockchain, and hold them in custody until distribution ^[1].

The company characterizes the token as a digital rewards system rather than a financial distribution, with shareholders potentially receiving discounts or benefits for Trump Media products, including those related to the Truth Social platform ^[1]. Trump Media CEO Devin Nunes stated that regulatory requirements from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission play a central role in project implementation ^[1].

The company emphasized that the token does not represent a tokenized stock and cannot be redeemed for cash ^[1]. One stated objective involves using blockchain technology to create transparency regarding actual shareholder structures on the qualification date ^[1]. Trump Media shares gained more than seven percent following the announcement before partially retreating by market close ^[1].