Australia’s A$4.3 trillion Retirement Market Opens to Crypto

- Coinbase and OKX launch crypto services for Australia’s SMSFs. - New offerings streamline access to digital assets for retirement portfolios. On September 1, 2025, Coinbase and OKX launched crypto investment services for Australia’s self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). These services aim to simplify the integration of cryptocurrencies into retirement portfolios. They include bundled tools such as custody solutions, legal and accounting support, and audit compliance, helping Australians align their investments with regulatory standards. SMSFs account for approximately a quarter of Australia's A$4.3 trillion retirement savings market. As of March, these funds held an estimated A$1.7 billion in digital assets—a significant sevenfold increase from 2021. The new initiatives from Coinbase and OKX address this rising demand for crypto investments by enhancing accessibility and compliance for investors in this evolving sector. Coinbase revealed that over 500 investors have joined the waiting list for its SMSF services, with individual commitments reportedly reaching up to A$100,000. Meanwhile, OKX launched its SMSF product in June and has reported stronger-than-expected demand. Both platforms use their technological infrastructure to increase participation in Australia’s retirement crypto market. This development in Australia parallels major policy changes in the United States that are redefining cryptocurrency’s role in retirement portfolios. In May, the U.S. Department of Labor reversed its cautionary stance on digital asset investments in 401(k) plans. Subsequently, on August 7, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that facilitates the inclusion of alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies, in retirement accounts. While financial diversification advocates have welcomed these changes, critics have expressed concerns about risks and potential conflicts of interest. Coinbase and OKX are capitalizing on these regulatory shifts and growing investor interest, and as a result, both companies are now poised to reshape the intersection of cryptocurrency and retirement finance.