Australia’s third-largest pension fund, Hostplus, is considering offering cryptocurrencies as an investment option for its members, citing direct member demand. Chief Investment Officer Sam Sicilia stated crypto could be offered through its self-managed ChoicePlus option as early as next financial year, pending regulatory approval and consumer protections. Hostplus manages over $96 billion in assets.
Hostplus, a major Australian pension fund, is reportedly exploring offering cryptocurrency investments due to member interest. “There’s certainly a demand from some of our members who write in and say, ‘Why can’t I have access to cryptocurrency?’” Chief Investment Officer Sam Sicilia stated.
He told Bloomberg that Bitcoin and other digital assets could be offered through its ChoicePlus self-managed investment option next financial year. The plan remains in a design phase and requires regulatory approval and consumer protection resolutions.
Hostplus is Australia’s third-largest retirement fund by member count and fifth-largest by assets under management, holding over $96 billion. Australia’s total superannuation assets were estimated at around $4.5 trillion Australian dollars by the end of September 2025.
“We’d love to get regulatory tick-off, even if it means waiting another six months,” Sicilia said. “We are long-term investors. Six months doesn’t really move the dial for us.”
AMP was the first super fund to embrace crypto in May 2024 by introducing Bitcoin futures exposure. Sicilia noted that crypto has evolved significantly since Hostplus first examined the industry a decade ago.
Self‑Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) are currently the primary method for Australian crypto retirement exposure. BTC Markets reported SMSF registrations increased 69% year-on-year during the 2024–2025 financial year.
OKX Australia CEO Kate Cooper noted significant growth from SMSF trustees. She said a growing number of funds are established specifically for digital asset investment, as trustees cannot invest via large super funds.
