Hostplus weighs crypto access for pension members

Hostplus, one of the largest pension funds in Australia, is considering offering crypto exposure to its members through a self-directed investment option.

According to Bloomberg, digital asset products could be introduced as early as the next financial year, subject to regulatory approval. Chief Investment Officer Sam Sicilia said the plan remains under development, with key considerations including consumer protection and product structure.

The fund, which manages over A$150 billion in assets, is exploring the addition of crypto via its Choiceplus platform, allowing members to self-manage a portion of their retirement savings. This segment currently represents about 1% of total assets.

Demand appears to be growing among members. Sicilia noted that many have requested access to assets such as Bitcoin and other digital assets. Hostplus serves nearly 2 million members, with an average age in the mid-to-late 30s.

Beyond Bitcoin, the fund is also evaluating a broader range of digital assets, including tokenized investments such as music rights. Sicilia added that the crypto sector has matured significantly compared to when the fund first assessed it nearly a decade ago.

Across the broader market, Australia’s pension sector remains relatively cautious. In 2024, AMP Limited took a limited step by gaining indirect exposure through Bitcoin futures.

Meanwhile, the United States has moved more aggressively. Last August, Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing crypto allocations in 401(k) plans, and Indiana recently passed legislation permitting crypto investments in certain state retirement programs.