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.
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