Australia’s retirement sector may be on the cusp of a digital shift as OKX, a major international cryptocurrency exchange, introduces a dedicated platform for self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs).
The platform is designed to allow individuals and corporate trustees to include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets in their private retirement portfolios, a space traditionally dominated by cash, shares, and property.
The new platform provides a single interface for purchasing, managing, and reporting on crypto holdings within SMSFs.
According to Kate Cooper, CEO of OKX Australia, the company built the platform with trustee needs in mind, offering custody solutions, multi-signature security, proof-of-reserves reporting across 22 tokens, and AUSTRAC-licensed exchange services.
Cooper said,
“Trustees have been crying out for institutional-grade infrastructure that doesn’t compromise on compliance or security. That’s exactly what we’ve built.”
Users can access detailed dashboards for portfolio monitoring, exportable annual reports for audits, and guided onboarding including verification, documentation checks, and bank account integration.
A dedicated Australian support team is available via phone, email, or live chat to assist both new and experienced SMSF trustees.
SMSFs manage nearly a third of Australia’s A$4 trillion retirement pool, yet cryptocurrency still represents less than 0.3% of total holdings, roughly A$3 billion.
Despite this, digital assets have been the fastest-growing segment of SMSF portfolios, increasing 746% from March 2020 to March 2025.
Cooper highlighted this growth:
“Adoption is already far higher than many realise: SMSF crypto holdings have grown seven times since 2021, with $1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) to $1.8 billion now invested.”
Australian regulators show SMSF assets growing at a modest 5.5% in the year to June 2025, reflecting a cautious approach by trustees.
Yet the increasing interest in cryptocurrency indicates a rising appetite among investors for diversifying retirement savings.
While SMSFs are historically dominated by older investors, the growing prevalence of crypto ownership among younger Australians could shift trends.
Data shows that 53% of Australians aged 25-35 hold some form of cryptocurrency.
OKX is banking on this demographic’s familiarity with digital assets to increase adoption within SMSFs, making the investment process simpler and more transparent.
OKX’s move enters a competitive field alongside regional players such as Coinspot, Swyftx, and Independent Reserve.
The exchange emphasises its global experience and enterprise-level compliance framework as differentiators.
The platform also addresses regulatory requirements, including audit-ready reporting and compliance checks, making it easier for trustees to integrate crypto into their portfolios without navigating operational complexity.
Cooper anticipates that thousands of SMSFs will join the platform within the next 12 to 24 months, with many switching from existing exchanges.
She added,
“This isn’t about chasing a trend; it’s about providing serious infrastructure for SMSF trustees choosing to include digital assets in their portfolios. Australian SMSF trustees manage more money than most sovereign wealth funds. They deserve enterprise-level solutions.”
The introduction of the OKX SMSF platform represents a new phase in the integration of cryptocurrency within Australia’s retirement landscape, offering trustees a combination of safety, compliance, and ease of access while tapping into the rapid expansion of digital assets.
Bitcoin's impending halving in April 2024 is anticipated to reshape supply dynamics, potentially driving prices upwards amidst heightened demand. Investors must also monitor the Federal Reserve's March rate decisions, as they could impact Bitcoin's post-halving performance alongside market sentiment.
AnaisThe crypto industry is actively influencing the 2024 U.S. election, with Super PACs spending millions to back crypto-friendly candidates. However, ethical concerns arise amid the surge in crypto spending, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in political interactions.
WeatherlyFTX has initiated its reimbursement strategy for creditors post-bankruptcy, but faces criticism over its claim window pricing, which significantly deviates from current market rates. Discontent among creditors persists due to the substantial gap between asset prices during the exchange's bankruptcy filing and their present market values.
JoyBerkshire Hathaway intensifies investments in the financial sector, with a cautious yet strategic expansion, underscored by Warren Buffett's prudent outlook on global opportunities.
AlexTelegram plans to sell excess TON tokens below market value to avoid centralisation, aiming for a healthier, decentralized ecosystem amidst growing concerns and robust ecosystem growth.
MiyukiMeme coins, including WIF, PEPE, SHIB, DOGE, FLOKI, and BONK, are surging with triple-digit gains, outshining Bitcoin in the crypto market. While Bitcoin inches towards its all-time high, meme coins dominate the spotlight, showcasing unprecedented growth amidst bullish market sentiment.
Anais$BIF, a new memecoin on Solana, surged in value rapidly, drawing attention with its humorous branding and endorsements from influencers. Its fusion of popular memecoins Bonk and Dogwifhat has sparked enthusiasm among investors, but caution is advised amidst the volatile crypto market.
JoyBitcoin's price nears record highs, surpassing major assets and ETFs, indicating its growing market dominance and potential volatility, urging investor caution.
WeiliangDonald Trump supporters are using AI to fabricate images of black voters endorsing the Republican party, aiming to sway African American support. As the US heads into another election cycle, combating AI-generated disinformation is crucial to safeguarding democracy.
AnaisOver 31.5 million ETH, valued at $115 billion, is staked on Ethereum's Beacon Chain, enhancing network security and DeFi collateralization.
Alex