- Hostplus, a major Australian pension fund, plans to offer cryptocurrency investments by the next financial year.
- The fund, with over $96 billion in assets, cites clear member demand for access to digital assets like Bitcoin.
- Any launch requires regulatory approval and solutions for consumer protection, with the fund’s CIO stating they are “long-term investors.”
- AMP was the first major super fund to offer crypto exposure in 2024, while Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) remain a primary avenue for such investments.
In a significant development for institutional crypto adoption, Australia‘s third-largest pension fund, Hostplus, is considering offering cryptocurrencies as an investment option for its members, with a potential launch by the next financial year. The fund’s chief investment officer, Sam Sicilia, told Bloomberg on Monday that member demand is a key driver, with people writing in to ask for access.
“We’d love to get regulatory tick-off, even if it means waiting another six months,” Sicilia said, emphasizing the fund’s patient approach. The plan, which would offer Bitcoin and other assets through its self-managed ChoicePlus option, is still in a design phase and requires approval.
Consequently, the fund must navigate regulatory hurdles and establish robust consumer protections before the offering can go live. Hostplus manages over $96 billion in assets, according to financial comparison site Canstar, and operates in a national superannuation market worth about $4.5 trillion Australian dollars.
This move follows AMP‘s pioneering step in May 2024 when it became the first major super fund to introduce Bitcoin exposure via futures contracts. Meanwhile, Self‑Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) have been the dominant vehicle for Australians seeking crypto in their retirement portfolios.
Sicilia noted that crypto has evolved significantly since the fund first examined the industry a decade ago. Data from BTC Markets supports this growing trend, reporting a 69% year-on-year increase in SMSF registrations during the 2024–2025 financial year.
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