Australian self-managed super funds (SMSFs) held about A$3.02 billion (US$1.9 billion) in cryptocurrencies at the end of June, but new data show these private pension accounts mostly missed this year’s crypto rally.
SMSFs let individuals control their own retirement savings rather than leaving them with large industry or retail funds. Together they represent roughly a quarter of Australia’s A$4.3 trillion superannuation pool, making them an important part of household wealth — even if crypto is only a sliver of the mix.
Within SMSFs, traditional allocations still dominate: listed shares lead at about A$296 billion, followed by cash and deposits (~A$171 billion), unlisted trusts (~A$133 billion) and property (~A$105 billion). Crypto climbed from A$1.7 billion in March 2024 to A$3.1 billion by June 2024, then flattened near the current A$3.0 billion mark by June 2025 — under 0.3% of SMSF assets.
Industry sources describe that limited exposure as deliberate. Jeremy Kinstlinger, co‑founder of Sydney execution services firm Argamon Markets, told Decrypt SMSFs are “cautious by design.” He said many funds chased crypto’s early-2024 highs but scaled back afterward and did not re-enter, missing later gains.
The restrained SMSF stance contrasts with broader regional momentum: Chainalysis data show Asia‑Pacific crypto volumes rose to US$1.5 trillion in the year to June, a 69% jump. For SMSF trustees considering crypto, the small allocations reflect concerns over volatility, custody arrangements and regulatory clarity — all factors that can materially affect retirement outcomes.
Source: Decrypt. Read the original coverage for full details.