Move over, boomers - the next generation of investors is making their move, and they’re doing it with a digital wallet in hand.

CoreData’s latest research into cryptocurrency adoption in Australia has revealed a game-changing insight: nearly 1 in 4 crypto holders made cryptocurrency their very first investment. That’s right - for many Aussies, it wasn’t stocks, bonds, or managed funds that opened the door to investing. It was Bitcoin.

And they didn’t stop there. A staggering 9 in 10 cryptocurrency holders are also invested in other asset classes, with Aussie shares (57%), cash (55%), ETFs (37%), international shares (36%), and even gold (24%) rounding out their portfolios.

So what does this tell us?

It’s simple: cryptocurrency is acting as a gateway asset — an accessible, low-barrier introduction to the investment world for tech-forward Australians who want more control and transparency.

 And that, my friends, is exactly the type of person who’s also increasingly setting up an SMSF.

At SMSFAI, we’ve seen a sharp rise in the number of new SMSFs being established by younger trustees -  particularly those in their 30s and 40s - and many of them started their investing journey with crypto.

Why? Because these investors are:

• Independent thinkers who want full control over where their money goes

• Digitally literate and comfortable using apps, exchanges, and AI-powered tools

• Portfolio diversifiers who want exposure to a mix of traditional and alternative assets

• Frustrated by the limitations of retail or industry super funds

 They're not just looking for the standard “set and forget” superannuation model. They're actively engaged, asking questions, and most importantly - they're doing the math on how SMSFs can give them the flexibility to include crypto, property, shares, and more in one compliant, personalised fund.

 The SMSF of the future isn't just a structure for retirement — it's a platform for active wealth creation. And the next generation of investors doesn’t want paper trails and quarterly updates; they want real-time data, smart tech, and video-based reporting that speaks their language.

 That’s why we built SMSFAI the way we did - with AI-powered automation, clean fixed pricing, and next-gen video reporting designed to help advisers, accountants, and trustees work smarter, not harder.

 If cryptocurrency is how many investors are starting their journey, SMSFs are where they're headed next. It’s a natural evolution - from investing a few hundred bucks in crypto to building a strategic, diversified fund that sets them up for the long game.

 CoreData’s research is clear: crypto isn’t a phase -  it’s a gateway. And for those of us working with SMSFs, it's time to meet these investors where they are: digitally engaged, curious, and ready for a smarter way to manage their super.

 Stay tuned for the next wave. They’re not just bringing crypto - they’re bringing change.