Australian Pension Fund Hostplus Considers Offering Crypto Investments via Self-Directed Accounts

Hostplus, one of Australia’s largest pension funds with more than A$150 billion ($105 billion) in assets under management, is considering adding bitcoin and other digital assets to its self-directed investment option, according to a March 23, 2026, announcement from Chief Investment Officer Sam Sicilia.

The fund is exploring offering cryptocurrency exposure through its Choiceplus product, which allows members to self-manage a portion of their retirement savings and currently accounts for approximately 1% of total assets. Digital asset offerings could become available as early as the next financial year, subject to regulatory approval and internal design work on consumer protections and product structure.

Hostplus serves nearly 2 million members with an average age in the mid-to-late 30s, a demographic that has shown interest in cryptocurrency investments.

Demand and Strategic Context

Member Interest

Sicilia cited direct member demand as a driving factor: “There’s certainly a demand from some of our members who write in and say ‘why can’t I have access to cryptocurrency?’” The fund’s younger-than-average membership base aligns with higher interest in digital assets compared to traditional pension fund demographics.

Maturation of Crypto Assets

Sicilia noted that the asset class has evolved significantly since Hostplus first evaluated cryptocurrency nearly a decade ago. The fund is now revisiting not only bitcoin but a broader range of digital assets, including tokenized exposures tied to areas such as music rights.

Regulatory and Design Considerations

Approval Process

Any offering would require regulatory approval, and the fund remains in the design phase regarding what specific products it might offer. Sicilia emphasized a patient approach: “We’d love to get regulatory tick off, even if it means waiting another six months. We are long-term investors. Six months doesn’t really move the dial for us.”

Consumer Protections

Issues such as consumer protections and product structure remain under review as the fund works through the design process.

Australian Pension Industry Context

Limited Crypto Adoption

Australia’s A$4.5 trillion pension industry has shown limited interest in cryptocurrency to date. In 2024, pension and wealth firm AMP Ltd. became the first major fund to announce an investment in bitcoin futures, taking a cautious step into the asset class through indirect exposure.

Self-Managed Super Funds

Approximately A$1.2 trillion of Australia’s pension system is held in self-managed super funds (SMSFs) outside major pension funds. Regulator data indicates that about A$3 billion is invested in cryptocurrency through these SMSFs.

U.S. Developments

The potential move by Hostplus comes amid broader international momentum for crypto in retirement systems. In August 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order permitting 401(k) plans to include crypto, and Indiana recently passed legislation allowing crypto allocations within certain state retirement plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cryptocurrency options is Hostplus considering?

Hostplus is exploring offering bitcoin and other digital assets through its Choiceplus self-directed investment option. The fund is also considering tokenized exposures tied to areas such as music rights as part of a broader range of digital assets.

When could Hostplus members access crypto investments?

Digital asset offerings could become available as early as the next financial year, subject to regulatory approval and completion of internal design work on consumer protections and product structure.

How does Hostplus compare to other Australian pension funds on crypto?

Hostplus is among the first major Australian pension funds to actively consider offering cryptocurrency investments directly to members. In 2024, AMP Ltd. took a cautious step into the asset class through indirect exposure via bitcoin futures, but direct offerings remain rare across the industry.