The research from CoreData has found that 77 per cent of financial advisers estimate fewer than 5 per cent of their clients hold crypto or crypto ETFs.
However, when Australian investors were surveyed directly, 38 per cent confirmed they currently hold crypto assets – a figure that suggests many advisers are unaware of just how many clients are engaging with this asset class.
The data revealed a significant disconnect between financial advisers and their clients when it came to cryptocurrency investment.
Olivia Long, founder and chief executive of SMSFAI, said the industry must move quickly to bridge this gap or risk leaving investors unsupported in an increasingly complex digital asset environment.
“This is a clear sign that SMSF investors are moving ahead of the advice industry,” Long said.
“They’re exploring crypto as part of a diversified strategy, often without professional guidance – because many advisers simply can’t engage in the conversation.”
The data came at a time when interest in SMSFs has been rising among younger, tech-savvy investors, many of whom are comfortable with digital asset platforms and global markets.
Long said SMSFAI has reported interest from clients wanting to include crypto as part of their fund’s investment mix; however, despite rising crypto ownership, the industry remained limited in how it can respond.
She continued that only 11 per cent of advice practices include crypto or crypto ETFs on their Approved Product List (APL), which meant many advisers were not permitted to provide advice, or even start a conversation, on the topic.
“Interestingly, the research also shows that 21 per cent of advisers already hold crypto personally, and a further 13 per cent are considering investing, suggesting that advisers themselves see value in the asset class but remain restricted professionally,” she said.
“This is not about pushing crypto. It’s about recognising what SMSF investors are already doing, and giving advisers the tools and permission to support them with sound, compliant guidance.”
Long said she believed that with the rise of digital asset ETFs, improved custody solutions, and increased regulatory clarity, it was time for the advice sector to build competence in this space.
“Crypto isn’t a fringe trend anymore – it’s a mainstream consideration for SMSFs.”
“And the question advisers should be asking isn’t ‘Should we talk about it?’ It’s ‘Why aren’t we already?’”
