Bloomberg reported on Sept. 1 that the two exchanges are preparing products tailored for self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), which represent about a quarter of Australia’s A$4.3 trillion retirement savings pool.
Unlike traditional superannuation providers, SMSFs let individuals directly manage their pension investments, offering far more flexibility. While most large funds have avoided crypto, SMSFs are emerging as a gateway.
Crypto Finds a Path Through SMSFs
Interest is already growing. According to tax office data, SMSFs held roughly A$1.7 billion in crypto as of March—seven times more than in 2021. Coinbase plans to launch its SMSF service in the coming months and already has over 500 investors on its waitlist.
Most participants intend to allocate up to A$100,000 each to digital assets, surveys show. OKX rolled out a similar service in June and reports stronger-than-expected demand.
To smooth adoption, both companies are guiding investors through SMSF setup, referring them to accountants and law firms that handle compliance and administration. Coinbase says its service will focus more on long-term holders than on active traders.
Rising Demand Meets Regulatory Caution
Generational divides are shaping adoption. Older Australians are adding crypto to existing SMSFs, often nudged by younger relatives. Meanwhile, younger investors are starting funds earlier than past generations, leaning heavily toward digital assets.
Still, regulators are urging caution. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has warned that crypto’s volatility makes it risky for retirement portfolios, while the Australian Tax Office (ATO) has emphasized that superannuation is meant to secure income in retirement—not serve as a speculative gamble.
Global Scrutiny Intensifies
The push into Australia comes as exchanges face greater oversight worldwide. Last month, AUSTRAC ordered Binance’s local branch to appoint an external auditor over financial crime concerns. Earlier this year, OKX paid a $500 million settlement in the U.S. tied to unlicensed transactions, while Coinbase was fined in the U.K. for servicing high-risk clients.
With Bitcoin trading at record highs in 2025 and U.S. retirement policies opening the door to crypto, Australia could become a test case for how quickly digital assets shift from the financial fringes into mainstream pension portfolios.
