Let’s talk about something that’s blown my mind recently:
Would you believe that crypto is now the very first investment for so many Australians?

According to ASIC’s Retail Investor Research Report (Report 735, August 2022), a huge 44% of people who hold cryptocurrency said it was the first thing they ever invested in. That’s right – not shares, not managed funds, not even property – they jumped straight into Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another digital asset as their very first investment step.

What does that tell us?

It tells us the game has changed.

For decades, people dipped their toes into investing through traditional shares or employer‑chosen super funds. But this new generation of investors is different:
✅ They’re tech‑savvy.
✅ They’re hungry for control and transparency.
✅ They want to choose investments they understand and believe in.

Instead of waiting until their 50s or 60s to think about super, they’re starting their wealth‑building journey now – and crypto is often their first stop.

Why is crypto the “gateway” investment?

Let’s face it – crypto is accessible. Anyone with a phone can jump online, set up an account, and start buying digital assets. There’s no minimum balance, no boring product disclosure statements to wade through, and no feeling like your money disappears into a black box.

For a lot of Aussies, crypto feels tangible. You can see the price move, watch your portfolio grow (or not!), and learn as you go. And that sense of owning your investment is powerful.

What does this have to do with superannuation and SMSFs?

If you’re one of the many Australians who’ve caught the crypto bug, here’s the exciting part:
You can invest in crypto through a Self‑Managed Super Fund (SMSF).

Instead of leaving your retirement savings sitting in a default fund, you can set up your own SMSF and use those dollars to buy assets you genuinely believe in – including cryptocurrency (as long as you follow the rules).

Imagine if the same people who jumped into crypto with a few thousand dollars also took control of their super and started investing those balances smartly too. That’s where real wealth creation happens.

⚠️ A word of caution – and why we exist at SMSFAI

Of course, with great control comes great responsibility.

If you want to hold crypto in your SMSF, you need to:
✔ Have an investment strategy that allows for it,
✔ Keep SMSF assets completely separate from your personal ones,
✔ Only buy through an Australian‑registered exchange, and
✔ Keep meticulous records to keep the ATO and your auditor happy.

That’s exactly why we created SMSFAI – to make it simple for you. We handle the setup, the admin, and the compliance so you can focus on what you love most: making smart investment decisions.

Ready to take control?

If you’ve already started your investing journey with crypto and you’re wondering, “Could I do this in my super too?” – the answer might be yes. Let’s talk about how an SMSF can give you the freedom to build your retirement wealth your way.