Australia’s $3.16 trillion (A$4.5 trillion) pension sector could be approaching a turning point on digital assets, with one of its largest funds now exploring cryptocurrency as an investment option for members.
Bloomberg reported that Hostplus, which manages approximately $105 billion (A$150 billion), is considering offering Bitcoin (BTC) and other digital assets through its Choiceplus investment option. The option that allows users to self-manage their retirement savings portfolio currently accounts for 1% of the fund’s total assets.
“There’s certainly a demand from some of our members who write in and say, ‘why can’t I have access to cryptocurrency?'” Chief Investment Officer Sam Sicilia noted.
In late 2024, wealth and pension firm AMP Ltd. became one of Australia’s first large retirement managers to invest in crypto products. The fund allocated roughly $17.2 million (A$27 million) to BTC futures.
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Crypto Adoption in Australia
Meanwhile, Hostplus’ considerations arrive alongside a sharp rise in crypto ownership across Australia. The 2026 Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index (IRCI), an annual survey of over 2,000 Australians, found that 33% of Australians now hold digital assets. That figure represents an all-time high.
“Younger Australians are confronting an economic reality where traditional wealth-building paths, particularly home ownership, feel increasingly out of reach. As a result, many are exploring alternative assets that have historically delivered stronger returns than traditional portfolios, and cryptocurrency has naturally become an option,” Independent Reserve CEO Adrian Przelozny said.
Awareness has climbed to 95%. Additionally, more than half of Australians aged 25 to 34 now own cryptocurrency, making them the most active cohort.
Despite current uncertainty, a significant share of Australians hold a positive outlook on digital assets over the longer term. Two in five respondents expect cryptocurrencies to gain widespread acceptance for everyday transactions. 67% now recognize Bitcoin as a legitimate financial instrument, whether as an investment vehicle or a store of value.
Regulatory clarity is also a key factor. Over half of Australians surveyed said that clearer regulation of crypto exchanges would boost their confidence. Among those who have not yet invested, stronger consumer protections ranked as a key factor that could draw them into the market.
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