Australians trim crypto allocations in SMSF retirement funds by 4%

Australians have shaved nearly 4% off their crypto holdings in Self-Managed Super Funds over the past year.

Data published by the Australian Taxation Office on Sept. 3 reveals that the total crypto holdings across these funds, which were at A$3.119 billion in June last year, were down to A$3.018 billion in 2025.

SMSFs are private retirement funds that let members directly control how their superannuation is invested. This means they are able to allocate a portion towards assets like cryptocurrencies.

Traditionally, assets like shares, property, and term deposits are favored, but in recent years, a growing number of trustees have dipped into digital assets, lured by the promise of high returns and portfolio diversification.

Interestingly, Australians reduced their crypto exposure during a time when the global cryptocurrency sector was regaining momentum. Bitcoin climbed 60% over the same period.

Yet, when looking at the bigger picture, the number still reflects a major increment from where things stood just two years ago. Back in June 2023, total SMSF crypto holdings sat at roughly A$2.14 billion, which means current numbers are up approximately 40% over the longer run.

Part of this growth may have been influenced by changing investor dynamics, especially as young and tech-savvy Australians are beginning to reshape retirement planning on their own terms.

SMSFs have long been dominated by members over 35, with the largest share aged between 75 and 84. However, younger investor are now entering the space earlier, and they’re bringing their appetite for digital assets with them.

According to data from Independent Reserve, over half of Australians aged 25 to 34 already hold some form of crypto, making them the most engaged age group in the market.

This means that with time, cryptocurrencies may have a more natural path into long-term investment strategies, including retirement planning. As a result, the SMSF numbers could witness a drastic change over the coming years.

Coinbase, OKX, target Australia’s pension market

As previously covered on crypto.news, Australia’s A$4.3 trillion pension market has already started drawing in major global exchanges, with Coinbase and OKX rolling out services tailored for SMSF investors looking to add crypto to their retirement portfolios.

Both of the companies have noticed more than expected demand for their products. OKX, for instance, has been offering SMSF onboarding services since June and says early interest has exceeded internal projections.

Coinbase, which is yet to launch its SMSF-related services, reported having over 500 investors already on its waitlistCoinbase, which is yet to launch its SMSF-related services, reported.

And, the trend is not isolated to just Australia. Across the globe, crypto is gradually making its way into mainstream retirement planning.

The United States has allowed cryptocurrencies to be included in 401(k) retirement plans; meanwhile, in the UK, a recent survey found that 27% of adults are open to including crypto in their retirement portfolios.

Last year, a separate survey conducted in India found that 45% of locals with a retirement plan had invested in cryptocurrencies.