OKX Launches Crypto Platform for Australia’s Retirement Market

International cryptocurrency exchange OKX has launched a new platform aimed at Australia’s $4 trillion retirement market...

Quick overview

  • OKX has launched a new platform tailored for Australia's $4 trillion retirement market, specifically for self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs).
  • Interest in cryptocurrency for retirement is rising, with SMSF crypto holdings increasing sevenfold since 2021, now valued at approximately A$1.7 billion to A$1.8 billion.
  • Despite the growth, cryptocurrency still constitutes less than 0.3% of SMSF holdings, indicating significant room for expansion in this sector.
  • OKX aims to differentiate itself in a competitive market by offering regulatory compliance and professional tools for SMSF trustees looking to invest in digital assets.

International cryptocurrency exchange OKX has launched a new platform aimed at Australia’s $4 trillion retirement market. The goal is to help investors add Bitcoin and other digital assets to their self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs).

The platform, introduced on Sunday, is designed specifically for SMSFs. These are private retirement funds where individuals or small groups manage their own investments. Unlike traditional industrial or retail funds, SMSFs give members full control over how their savings are invested.

Rising Interest in Crypto for Retirement

Interest in cryptocurrency within retirement planning is growing, but it still makes up only a small part of Australia’s pension market. According to OKX Australia CEO Kate Cooper, SMSF crypto holdings have increased sevenfold since 2021. They now stand at around A$1.7 billion to A$1.8 billion.

“This is about giving SMSF trustees who want to add digital assets to their portfolios proper infrastructure, not about chasing trends,” Cooper said. She added that Australian SMSF trustees often manage larger pools of money than many sovereign wealth funds. Because of this, they should have access to enterprise-level tools.

The Overall View

SMSFs are a major part of Australia’s financial system, holding about one-third of the nation’s pension assets. According to the data from Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, SMSF assets grew by 5.5% in the year ending June 2025.

Even so, cryptocurrency still makes up less than 0.3% of SMSF holdings, equal to about A$3 billion (US$1.9 billion), according to report from Australian Tax Office. Most SMSF assets remain concentrated in cash, real estate, and shares. However, OKX notes that since 2020, digital assets in SMSFs have grown by 746%. This makes crypto the fastest-growing segment of SMSF portfolios. The trend shows that more trustees may be open to adding crypto to their retirement strategies, despite its current small share.

A Competitive Market

The new OKX platform enters a competitive space. Regional exchanges such as Coinspot, Swyftx, and Independent Reserve already serve SMSF investors. However, OKX is betting that its global experience and stronger compliance framework will attract trustees who want a more professional solution.

To support this, OKX is offering AUSTRAC-registered services for regulatory compliance, exportable tax reports, and portfolio monitoring dashboards.

Looking Ahead

Over the next 12 to 24 months, thousands of SMSFs are expected to join the platform, with many likely shifting from other providers.

“More people are aware of adoption than they realize,” Cooper said. “As the market grows and regulations become clearer, we believe SMSFs will take on a bigger role in cryptocurrency in the years ahead.”

At present, crypto still represents only a small slice of Australia’s retirement funds. Yet with new platforms like OKX targeting SMSFs, digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum could steadily move into the retirement investment mainstream.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Arslan Butt
Lead Markets Analyst – Multi-Asset (FX, Commodities, Crypto)
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics. His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker. His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.

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