Hostplus, one of Australia's largest pension funds with over A$150 billion (US$105 billion) in assets under management, is actively exploring offering Bitcoin and other digital asset investment options to its members. According to a Bloomberg report, the fund is considering adding crypto exposure through its self-directed investment window, Choiceplus.
Chief Investment Officer Sam Sicilia stated in an interview that a launch could occur as early as the next financial year, pending regulatory approval and internal product design work. "There's certainly a demand from some of our members who write in and say 'why can't I have access to cryptocurrency?'" Sicilia said, highlighting member interest. The fund serves nearly 2 million members with an average age in the mid-to-late 30s.
The review marks a significant evolution in the fund's stance. Sicilia noted that crypto has "matured significantly" since the firm's first evaluation nearly a decade ago. The current exploration is not limited to Bitcoin but includes a broader range of digital assets, potentially including tokenized exposures to areas like music rights.
Choiceplus currently allows members to self-manage a portion of their retirement savings, accounting for about 1% of the fund's total assets. Sicilia emphasized that issues such as consumer protections and product structure remain under review.
The move, if implemented, would position Hostplus among a small group of global pension funds with crypto exposure. Jason Titman, CEO of Australian crypto exchange Swyftx, commented, "As soon as one super fund breaks ranks on crypto assets, I’d say there's a high probability the rest follow." He cited surveys indicating around a quarter of Australians want their super funds to offer digital assets.
Kraken Australia's managing director Jonathon Miller called the exploration a "positive step forward for the sector," noting it would provide more flexibility and easier access for investors.
The news comes as the Australian pension industry has shown limited interest in crypto to date. In 2024, wealth firm AMP Ltd. took a cautious step by gaining indirect exposure through Bitcoin futures. However, AMP Super recently reduced its Bitcoin futures exposure to around 0.02% following this year's market downturn, which wiped out roughly $700 billion. "We’ve had essentially no exposure during most of the recent sell-off," said AMP Super head of portfolio design Stuart Eliot.
This development follows proactive steps in the United States, where former President Donald Trump signed an executive order in August 2025 permitting 401(k) plans to include crypto, and Indiana recently passed legislation allowing crypto allocations within certain state retirement plans.
