Investors Push Crypto Into Australia’s Retirement Future

Coinbase and OKX are making moves to integrate cryptocurrencies into Australia’s retirement system through self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), offering streamlined services for investors seeking to add digital assets to their savings. The two major exchanges are now providing dedicated products that simplify the process of holding crypto within SMSFs, a feature previously left to individual investors to manage independently [1]. These services include referrals to accountants and legal professionals, as well as integrated custody and record-keeping to satisfy audit requirements [1].

SMSFs currently hold approximately A$1.7 billion in digital assets, a sevenfold increase since 2021, according to the Australian Tax Office. These funds make up about a quarter of Australia’s retirement savings pool and have become the first segment of the system to show substantial exposure to cryptocurrencies [1]. Coinbase has reported that over 500 investors have joined its SMSF service’s waiting list, with most planning to allocate up to A$100,000 each in crypto. Similarly, OKX launched its SMSF offering in June and noted that demand has exceeded expectations [1].

This development represents a significant step in making cryptocurrencies more accessible to mainstream investors in Australia and highlights one of the first coordinated efforts by major exchanges to tap into the country’s extensive retirement system. The inclusion of crypto in SMSFs aligns with broader global discussions on how retirement savings should interact with digital assets, particularly in major economies such as the United States.

In the U.S., the debate has been marked by shifting regulations and policy changes. Fidelity Investments introduced a Bitcoin 401(k) option in 2022, but it faced immediate scrutiny from the Department of Labor, which warned against excessive crypto exposure in retirement plans. However, in May 2025, the Labor Department rescinded its cautionary stance, restoring discretion to plan sponsors regarding the inclusion of alternative assets [1]. More recently, on August 7, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors,” instructing the Department of Labor to revisit rules governing retirement plans and opening the door for cryptocurrencies to be included in 401(k)s and other defined-contribution accounts [1].

The U.S. executive order has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters arguing that it enhances flexibility for investors while critics warn it could expose retirees to significant risks. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer praised the move, stating that the government should not dictate investment choices for individuals. Conversely, critics such as Chris Noble from the Private Equity Stakeholder Project expressed concerns that the policy could favor private equity interests over the financial security of millions of Americans [1]. Additionally, the Trump family’s investment in the crypto space has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, with the recent launch of the World Liberty Financial (WLFI) token, which raised over $500 million in a private offering [1].

The global trend toward incorporating crypto into retirement systems reflects growing interest in alternative investments, particularly among aging demographics. With Australia’s SMSFs already showing strong crypto adoption and the U.S. opening regulatory pathways, the integration of cryptocurrencies into retirement planning is likely to continue gaining traction.

Source: [1] Coinbase, OKX push crypto into Australia's retirement system (https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-okx-crypto-australia-retirement-system)