Hostplus Eyes Bitcoin Investment Option for Retirement Funds

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-03-24Last updated on 2026-03-24

Abstract

Hostplus, an Australian superannuation fund managing A$150 billion in assets, is planning to offer bitcoin and other digital asset investment options through its self-directed Choiceplus program. This would allow members to allocate a portion of their retirement savings to crypto, pending regulatory and internal approvals. Chief Investment Officer Sam Sicilia cited growing member demand and the maturation of the crypto market as key reasons. The fund is also considering a broader range of digital assets, including tokenized exposures like music rights. While the Australian pension industry has been cautious, the U.S. has seen proactive steps to include crypto in retirement plans. The offering could be available as early as the next financial year.

An Australian industry superannuation fund, Hostplus, is seeking to provide bitcoin and other digital asset investment options, as reported by Bloomberg.

The superannuation fund is responsible for handing over A$150 billion in assets and is now seeking to add crypto exposure through the self-directed option, Choiceplus. Hostplus permits members to self-manage a portion of their retirement savings, now estimated at 1% of the fund’s overall assets.

Digital asset offerings on Hostplus could come as early as the upcoming financial year, relying on regulatory approval and internal design work, Chief Investment Officer Sam Sicilia mentioned in an interview with Bloomberg.

He also added that issues like consumer protections and product structure are still under review. There is surely a demand from some of our members who write in and say, ‘Why can’t I have access to cryptocurrency?’

The report further mentions that Hostplus serves around 2 million members, having an average age in the mid-to-late 30s, according to the report. The official mentioned crypto has matured prominently since the company’s first evaluation of the asset class around a decade ago.

The Cautious And Proactive Steps

The fund is now re-examining not just Bitcoin but a wider range of digital assets, possibly including tokenized exposures associated with areas like music rights. The pension fund industry from Australia has already shown restricted interest in crypto exposure.

Two years ago, pension and wealth firm AMP Ltd mentioned it took a careful step into the asset class by having indirect exposure via bitcoin futures. At the same time, the United States has been proactive in widening the role of crypto in retirement systems.

In August 2025, President Donald Trump signed an official order allowing 401(k) plans to comprise crypto, and Indiana recently passed legislation permitting crypto allocations within certain state retirement plans. However, Hostplus has not revealed more information than this.

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Related Questions

QWhat is Hostplus seeking to provide for its members according to the Bloomberg report?

AHostplus is seeking to provide bitcoin and other digital asset investment options for its members.

QThrough which specific option will Hostplus members be able to gain crypto exposure?

AMembers will be able to gain crypto exposure through the self-directed option called Choiceplus.

QWhat are the two main factors that will determine when digital asset offerings become available on Hostplus?

AThe availability of digital asset offerings relies on regulatory approval and the completion of internal design work.

QWhat was the cautious step taken by AMP Ltd into the crypto asset class two years ago?

AAMP Ltd took a careful step by gaining indirect exposure to crypto through bitcoin futures.

QWhat significant U.S. policy change regarding retirement plans and crypto was mentioned, and who signed it?

AIn August 2025, President Donald Trump signed an official order allowing 401(k) plans to comprise cryptocurrency.

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