Hostplus Eyes Digital Assets Amid Growing Demand for Cryptocurrency Investment
Australia’s prominent industry super fund, Hostplus, is exploring the potential to provide its members with access to digital currencies through its self-directed investment option, Choiceplus. This initiative is driven by an increasing appetite among members for cryptocurrencies as a viable investment avenue.
Exploration of Cryptocurrency Options
Sam Sicilia, Hostplus’s Chief Investment Officer, revealed in a recent interview with Bloomberg that the fund is considering adding cryptocurrencies to its offerings, pending regulatory approval. Sicilia indicated that the proposal could come to fruition as early as the next financial year, marking a significant step towards broader acceptance of digital assets in Australia’s superannuation sector.
“We’re now at a stage where we’re revisiting digital currencies, not just Bitcoin, but a broader range of digital currencies,” Sicilia noted, reflecting the evolving perception of cryptocurrencies within institutional investment frameworks.
With approximately 2 million members and AU$150 billion in superannuation funds under management, Hostplus stands among Australia’s largest super funds. However, Sicilia acknowledged the need to address various factors, including consumer protections, before launching any cryptocurrency options.
“We’d love to get regulatory tick-off, even if it means waiting another six months,” he stated, emphasising the importance of compliance in this nascent sector.
Historical Context and Trends
Sicilia’s interest in cryptocurrencies has been ongoing since at least 2021, when he predicted that the inclusion of digital assets would become standard practice among institutional super funds. This trend is underscored by AMP’s notable move in 2024, becoming the first Australian super fund to integrate Bitcoin into its asset management.
The growing demand for cryptocurrency access has prompted Hostplus to consider integrating these assets into its Choiceplus investment product. This option allows members to directly manage their investment portfolios, linking customer demand for direct access to digital currencies with the fund’s evolving investment strategy.
Demand Among Members for Cryptocurrencies
Hostplus has received numerous inquiries from members expressing interest in incorporating cryptocurrencies into their superannuation portfolios. Sicilia acknowledged this demand, stating, “There’s certainly a demand from some of our members who write in and say, ‘why can’t I have access to cryptocurrency?’”
While currently only 1% of Hostplus’s assets are allocated to its Choiceplus option, the growing trend towards self-directed investments has been evident. Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are being established at an unprecedented rate, reflecting a shift in how Australians are choosing to manage their retirement savings.
Although traditional investment assets remain dominant within SMSFs, the appeal of cryptocurrencies is apparent. Data from June 2025 shows that SMSF crypto assets had reached AU$3.02 billion (approximately US$1.97 billion), indicating a substantial commitment to digital currencies among Australian investors.
Conclusion
As Hostplus navigates the regulatory landscape to potentially introduce cryptocurrency investments, the move reflects a broader trend in the Australian superannuation industry. The fund’s proactive approach to meeting growing member demands could signal a turning point for the integration of digital assets into the retirement investment landscape. The outcome may not only reshape Hostplus’s portfolio offerings but also pave the way for greater acceptance and adoption of cryptocurrencies within Australia’s financial framework.
