Crypto holdings in Australian Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) fell by about 4% compared to last year, despite a strong crypto market rally, according to new data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

The adjusted figures show that as of June 2025, SMSFs reported holding 3.02 billion Australian dollars ($1.97 billion) in crypto, down roughly 100 million Australian dollars from 3.12 billion in June 2024, the ATO said in a report published Wednesday.

Related reporting: Chainalysis report shows US now ranks 2nd worldwide in crypto adoption, with APAC leading expansion.

The decline came even as Bitcoin’s price rose around 60% during the same period, while the Asia-Pacific region continued strengthening its position as the global hub for grassroots crypto adoption, according to Chainalysis.

Simon Ho, head of SMSF strategy at Australian crypto exchange Coinstash, said the real number could be higher. “The number is probably undercooked,” he suggested.

Crypto interest spike over last two years is notable, according to industry executive

Simon Ho said the June 2025 data does not reflect the full picture because it is based on tax return filings that are not due until May 2026.

Even so, reported SMSF crypto holdings in June 2025 were about 41% higher than in June 2023. That was also the year the Australian government signaled greater focus on regulatory clarity in the crypto industry by releasing its token mapping consultation paper.

Bitcoin is up 94.22% over the past 12 months. Source: CoinMarketCap

Ho said the difference between the two years was significant based on the data released yesterday.

A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) allows individuals to manage their own retirement savings instead of paying into a pooled superannuation fund. Australians can typically access their SMSF once they retire and have reached at least 60 years of age.

Crypto platforms get ready for surge in retirement savings flows

Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) are currently 96.7% dominated by members over 35 years old, with the largest share coming from the 75 to 84 age bracket at 13.7%.

At the same time, new data from Australian exchange Independent Reserve shows that more than half of young Australians aged 25 to 34 own crypto (53%), making them the country’s largest demographic of crypto holders.

This trend suggests SMSF data could shift significantly in the years ahead, depending on how younger Australians approach retirement planning.

Exchanges are already preparing for this. On Monday, Bloomberg reported that Coinbase and OKX are launching services for SMSFs in Australia.

Industry groups continue to urge the newly reelected Labor government to prioritize digital asset legislation so Australia does not fall further behind other global markets.

Crypto retirement strategies expand across global markets

Globally, more people are becoming open to including crypto in their retirement planning.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by insurance company Aviva and published on August 26 found that 27% were willing to hold crypto in their retirement funds, with just over 40% pointing to higher potential returns as their main reason.

In the United States, President Donald Trump signed an executive order the same month allowing 401(k) retirement plans to include Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.