Coinbase and OKX rolling out SMSF-focused products to funnel Australia’s A$4.3 trillion (≈ US$2.8 trillion) pension pool into crypto via DIY retirement accounts

Coinbase and OKX rolling out SMSF-focused products to funnel Australia’s A$4.3 trillion (≈ US$2.8 trillion) pension pool into crypto via DIY retirement accounts

Australia's $4.3 trillion (approximately US$2.8 trillion) retirement system, one of the world's most robust savings pools, is becoming a new frontier for cryptocurrencies. Major digital-asset exchanges Coinbase and OKX are rolling out products aimed at funneling pension money into cryptocurrencies, primarily through self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). SMSFs, which give individuals direct control over their investments, make up about a quarter of Australia’s pension pool [1].

Coinbase and OKX are focusing their efforts on SMSFs, which are more receptive to alternative assets than traditional funds. Coinbase is preparing to launch a dedicated SMSF service with over 500 investors already on its waiting list. According to Asia-Pacific managing director John O’Loghlen, 80% of these potential users intend to establish a new SMSF, with 77% planning to invest up to A$100,000 in digital assets [1]. OKX, which launched a similar product in June, has seen demand exceed expectations, with Australian CEO Kate Cooper reporting high interest [1].

Despite the growing interest, crypto holdings in SMSFs remain modest, with about A$1.7 billion as of March 2025, a sevenfold increase since 2021 [1]. Both exchanges are betting that this trend will accelerate, forcing regulators and institutional funds to confront an exposure they’ve so far resisted.

The push into SMSFs comes as the superannuation system is seeking yield and grappling with its scale. The system's flexibility was demonstrated during the pandemic, with Australians withdrawing A$38 billion early without destabilizing markets [1]. However, regulators have consistently urged caution, warning about the volatility of cryptocurrencies [1]. Despite regulatory skepticism, the investor push into crypto-SMSFs continues, with AMP being the only major pension provider to disclose an investment in the asset class [1].

Coinbase and OKX are betting that mainstream super funds will eventually follow suit, positioning Australia’s massive pension system as a potential gateway for institutional crypto adoption. However, regulatory oversight remains firm, with Australia stepping up efforts to tighten oversight of cryptocurrency exchanges [2].

References:
[1] https://cryptonews.com/news/coinbase-okx-unlock-australias-2-8-trillion-pension-pot-for-crypto-bloomberg/
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-31/crypto-finds-gateway-into-australia-s-2-8-trillion-pensions-pot