Hostplus Explores Crypto for Super Members

One of Australia's largest superannuation funds, Hostplus, is exploring the addition of cryptocurrency investment options for its members, driven by growing demand for digital assets in retirement portfolios. The move, which could launch as early as the 2025-2026 financial year, would provide access through the fund's Choiceplus platform, pending regulatory approval and safeguards for consumer protection.

Hostplus, which manages approximately A$105 billion in assets and serves nearly two million members with an average age in the mid-to-late 30s, has received direct requests from savers seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies. Chief Investment Officer Sam Sicilia highlighted this interest in an interview, stating, "There's certainly a demand from some of our members who write in and say, Why can’t I have access to cryptocurrency?" The proposed offering would extend beyond Bitcoin to include a broader range of digital assets, such as tokenized investments in areas like music rights, reflecting an evolution in how the fund views these assets since its initial assessment a decade ago.

The Choiceplus option, which allows members to self-direct a portion of their superannuation savings...