The latest analysis performed on cryptocurrency has revealed SMSF members are now leading adopters of these digital assets in the Australian market.
The BTC Markets “2025 Investor Study Report” found registrations from SMSFs on the organisation’s platform increased by 69 per cent year on year, with trading volumes climbing by 151 per cent. Specifically, Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP accounted for over 77 per cent of allocations, with average SMSF portfolio values experiencing a 46 per cent jump.
“SMSFs are operating with the discipline of institutions – executing larger trades, applying structured diversification and taking a long-term view,” BTC Markets chief executive Caroline Bowler noted.
Examining demographics, the study indicated older Australians are now embracing these digital assets, with more conservative investors increasing their participation in them. To this end, the report showed Australians aged 60 and above experienced growth of 723 per cent in initial deposits and drove a 93 per cent jump in daily trading activity over the past year.
“These aren’t speculators chasing the latest trend, they’re retirees with capital, intent and a strategy. What we are seeing is thoughtful, deliberate engagement with digital assets,” Bowler explained.
Another finding from the study recognised females entered the cryptocurrency market with larger deposits than men for the first time in five years. Here their average initial amount increased by 115 per cent year on year.
Further, BTC Markets confirmed women are more likely to adopt a disciplined approach to investing in these types of digital assets through following a deliberate investment strategy and this has led to portfolio growth of 35 per cent. This is almost on par with men, whose portfolio growth was recorded at 38 per cent.
“Women are entering the market with intent, bringing larger deposits, making fewer trades and seeing steady returns. It’s a considered approach and helping mature the entire ecosystem,” Bowler said.
The report also forecast cryptocurrency will continue to strengthen as an investment option, which will see it develop into a more mainstream asset class as a result of large financial institutions, such as banks, making a bigger commitment to aspects such as custody, tokenisation and regulatory alignment.
“Digital assets are no longer fringe, they are becoming part of the financial mainstream. We are seeing real momentum in retail-facing crypto-products across superannuation and banking. By 2026, Australia’s major financial institutions will be offering crypto to everyday investors,” Bowler concluded.
