04/09/25

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According to recent data from the Australian Taxation Office, holdings of cryptocurrencies within Australian Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) have experienced a decline of approximately 4% on an annual basis. Despite a notable rally in the broader crypto market and a surge in Bitcoin’s price — climbing around 60% over the same period — total crypto assets managed through SMSFs stood at roughly 3.02 billion Australian dollars (approximately 1.97 billion USD) in June 2025. This figure represents a decrease of about 100 million AUD compared to the 3.12 billion AUD reported in June 2024.

The decline in reported crypto holdings comes amid ongoing adjustments for consistent valuation and timing considerations related to tax filings. It is important to note that the data reflects holdings as of June 30, 2025, with tax return submissions due by May 2026. Industry experts suggest that the figures might underestimate actual holdings, given the delayed reporting process and ongoing market developments.

The increase in crypto holdings from June 2023 to June 2025—about 41%—illustrates rising interest among Australian investors, especially considering ongoing regulatory reforms initiated in 2023 aimed at clarifying the legal landscape for digital assets. The demographic concentration of SMSF members remains predominantly over the age of 35, with a significant proportion aged between 75 and 84. Nonetheless, recent surveys indicate that younger Australians, particularly those aged 25 to 34, are increasingly engaged with cryptocurrencies, with over half owning digital assets. This demographic trend suggests a potential shift in retirement investment strategies over time.

Industry participants are actively preparing for broader integration of cryptocurrencies into retirement savings. Major exchanges such as Coinbase and OKX have recently announced services tailored for SMSFs, signaling a growing institutional recognition of crypto’s role in retirement planning. Meanwhile, the Australian government continues to face calls from industry stakeholders to accelerate regulatory clarity to avoid falling behind neighboring markets.

Globally, the acceptance of cryptocurrencies as part of retirement portfolios is gaining momentum. Surveys across the UK and developments in the US, such as executive orders allowing inclusion of digital assets in retirement plans, highlight the increasing mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies in retirement investment strategies worldwide.