Major exchanges Coinbase and OKX now offer tailored services to add cryptocurrency to Australian SMSFs, combining custody, record-keeping and adviser referrals to meet audit rules. This opens mainstream retirement exposure to digital assets while US regulators simultaneously reshape rules for crypto in 401(k) plans.
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Coinbase and OKX package custody, compliance and adviser referrals for SMSFs
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SMSFs held about A$1.7 billion in crypto as of March 2025 (Australian Tax Office).
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US rule changes, including a May 2025 Labor Department reversal and an August 7 executive order, broaden retirement plan discretion on crypto.
SMSF crypto Australia: Learn how Coinbase & OKX enable crypto in Australian SMSFs and what US retirement rule changes mean — read the full update and next steps.
Coinbase and OKX are moving into Australia’s pensions through SMSFs, while the United States revamps rules on how crypto fits into retirement plans.
What is SMSF crypto in Australia?
SMSF crypto Australia refers to holding digital assets inside Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs), where investors control custody and investment decisions for retirement savings. Major exchanges now offer integrated services to simplify custody, compliance and record-keeping for these funds.
How are exchanges enabling crypto in SMSFs?
Coinbase and OKX package custody, transaction records and referrals to accountants and law firms. This reduces setup friction and helps SMSFs meet audit requirements. According to the Australian Tax Office, SMSFs held about A$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) in digital assets as of March 2025 — up sevenfold since 2021.
Why does this matter for retirement investors?
Front-loading the answer: integrated exchange services lower technical and compliance barriers for retirees and advisers to add crypto exposure to pension savings. That could expand mainstream adoption while raising questions about risk, conflict of interest and fiduciary duties.
Two of the largest centralized cryptocurrency exchanges are packaging access to digital assets for Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) in Australia. Instead of requiring investors to design custody and compliance structures independently, the platforms combine custody, audit-ready record-keeping and referrals to accountants and law firms to meet regulatory expectations (plain text mention: Bloomberg).
SMSFs account for roughly a quarter of Australia’s retirement pool and held about A$1.7 billion in digital assets as of March 2025, per the Australian Tax Office. The rapid growth since 2021 makes SMSFs the first major part of Australia’s retirement system to show significant crypto exposure.
Coinbase reports more than 500 investors on its waiting list for the SMSF product, with many intending allocations up to A$100,000 each. OKX launched a similar offering in June and says demand exceeded expectations. These moves lower barriers for mainstream investors and mark one of the first organized efforts by major exchanges to tap a retirement system with high per-capita savings.
How are retirement crypto rules changing in the US?
In the United States, retirement-plan interactions with crypto have evolved from caution to more permissive guidance. Fidelity launched a Bitcoin option for 401(k) plans in April 2022. The Department of Labor initially warned fiduciaries to exercise “extreme care,” but in May 2025 the Labor Department rescinded that cautionary guidance, restoring more discretion to plan sponsors.
On August 7, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors,” directing the Department of Labor to revisit rules and potentially expand access to alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer praised the move for increasing flexibility, while critics such as Chris Noble of the Private Equity Stakeholder Project warned of potential risks to retirement security.
Are there conflict-of-interest concerns?
Yes. Observers note potential conflicts when policymakers or their affiliates hold material investments in crypto. For example, the World Liberty Financial (WLFI) token, a project tied to the Trump family, recently debuted trading after raising over $500 million in a private offering (plain text reference).
How can SMSF trustees add crypto responsibly?
- Assess suitability: Evaluate risk tolerance, time horizon and allocation limits for retirement objectives.
- Use compliant custody: Choose providers that offer audit-ready records and institutional custody solutions.
- Engage advisers: Work with accountants and lawyers experienced in SMSF compliance and crypto taxation.
- Document policy: Maintain an investment strategy and records demonstrating fiduciary decision-making.
- Monitor and report: Keep up-to-date valuation and transaction history for audits and tax filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much crypto do Australian SMSFs hold?
SMSFs held about A$1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) in digital assets as of March 2025, according to the Australian Tax Office. That represents a sevenfold increase since 2021 and highlights growing adoption within self-managed retirement funds.
What should trustees consider before adding crypto to an SMSF?
Trustees should evaluate risk tolerance, use compliant custodial services, document investment strategy and engage professional advisers to ensure audit and tax compliance. Maintain clear records for valuations and transactions.
Key Takeaways
- Lowered barriers: Exchanges are packaging custody and compliance to simplify SMSF crypto adoption.
- Growing exposure: SMSFs held ~A$1.7B in crypto as of March 2025 (Australian Tax Office), signaling rising mainstream interest.
- Policy shift: US rule changes restore sponsor discretion and may expand 401(k) access to crypto; watch fiduciary guidance and conflict-of-interest concerns.
Conclusion
Integrated SMSF services from major exchanges could accelerate crypto allocations in Australian retirement accounts while US regulatory changes broaden possible access in 401(k)s. Trustees and plan sponsors should prioritize compliant custody, clear documentation and professional advice as the landscape evolves.
