Cryptocurrency ownership in Australia has seen steady growth over recent years, with increasing adoption across age groups, genders, and investment vehicles. According to the 2025 Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index (IRCI), crypto is no longer a niche interest — it's becoming a mainstream financial asset for millions of Australians.
This report sheds light on who owns Bitcoin and other digital currencies in Australia, why they’re investing, and how new financial tools like self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are shaping the future of crypto investment.
Cryptocurrency Ownership in Australia
The 2025 IRCI report reveals that 31% of Australian adults currently own or have owned cryptocurrency — up from 28% the previous year. With approximately 20 million adults in Australia based on census data, this translates to around 6.2 million people engaging with digital assets.
This upward trend reflects growing confidence in blockchain technology, increased media exposure, and expanding access through regulated platforms.
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Bitcoin Dominates the Australian Crypto Market
Among those invested in digital currencies, Bitcoin remains the most popular asset, held by 70% of crypto investors. That equates to roughly 4.34 million Australian adults owning BTC. Its reputation as "digital gold" and a long-term store of value continues to drive demand.
Ethereum follows as the second-most-held cryptocurrency, with 29.8% of investors adding ETH to their portfolios — drawn by its smart contract capabilities and role in decentralized finance (DeFi).
Other notable cryptocurrencies in Australian wallets include:
- Dogecoin: 17%
- XRP: 15%
- Solana: 13%
- Cardano: 10%
These figures highlight a diversifying market where investors are exploring beyond top-tier assets, seeking opportunities in meme coins, high-performance blockchains, and scalable ecosystems.
Who Owns Crypto in Australia?
Age Demographics: Young Adults Lead Adoption
Cryptocurrency ownership varies significantly by age group. The most active demographic is Australians aged 25–34, with 53% owning crypto — making them the largest investor cohort.
The 35–44 age group also shows strong engagement at 38%, followed by those aged 18–24 at 32%. Even older Australians are catching up:
- Baby Boomers (55–64): Ownership rose from 5.77% to 8.2%
- Australians aged 65+: Adoption has quadrupled since 2019, now at 8%, though starting from a low base of just 2% back then
This intergenerational shift signals that crypto is no longer just for tech-savvy youth — it’s becoming part of broader wealth strategies across life stages.
Gender Gap in Crypto Investment
There remains a significant gender disparity in crypto ownership:
- 43.2% of men report owning cryptocurrency, up from 37.5% last year
- Only 21.9% of women own crypto, showing only a slight increase from prior levels
While both groups are growing, the gap underscores the need for more inclusive education and accessible entry points to help balance participation.
Why Are Australians Investing in Crypto?
Understanding the motivations behind crypto adoption helps explain its rising popularity. Key reasons cited in the IRCI report include:
- 52% were encouraged by family and friends — up from 49% last year
- 46% became interested after seeing cryptocurrency in the media or online content
- 25% admitted they invested hoping “to get rich”
- 6.2% use crypto to buy goods and services, up from 5% previously
Social influence and media visibility are powerful drivers, but long-term financial goals are also emerging as key motivators — especially among older investors and SMSF holders.
Self-Managed Super Funds Embrace Bitcoin
One of the most significant trends in Australian crypto investment is the growing role of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs).
In 2025:
- 36.4% of SMSF investors say they are likely to invest in Bitcoin — a substantial jump from just 13.6% in 2019
- 22.2% prefer using crypto exchanges to access digital assets (up from 16.7%)
- 14.2% would opt for crypto ETFs, slightly down from 16.7%, suggesting a preference for direct ownership
This shift reflects growing sophistication among retirement investors who see Bitcoin as a viable long-term hedge against inflation and traditional market volatility.
Superannuation Funds and Institutional Interest
Beyond SMSFs, mainstream super funds are beginning to explore crypto exposure. Currently:
- 18% of Australians want their superannuation fund to include Bitcoin, up 5 percentage points from previous years
- Among existing crypto investors, that number jumps to 33.8%, indicating strong demand for institutional integration
- Younger investors lead the charge: 32.3% of those aged 25–34 support including Bitcoin in super
Progress is already underway. In late 2024, AMP became the first major Australian super fund to add Bitcoin to its portfolio — albeit with a cautious 0.05% allocation via Bitcoin futures.
While still minimal, this marks a pivotal moment: institutional gatekeepers are starting to recognize crypto’s potential as part of diversified retirement portfolios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many Australians own Bitcoin?
Approximately 4.34 million Australians own Bitcoin, based on the 70% holding rate among the estimated 6.2 million crypto owners.
Is cryptocurrency ownership increasing in Australia?
Yes — crypto ownership has grown from 28% in 2024 to 31% in 2025, reflecting sustained interest and broader acceptance across demographics.
Which age group owns the most cryptocurrency?
Australians aged 25–34 have the highest adoption rate at 53%, making them the leading demographic in crypto investment.
Do super funds in Australia allow Bitcoin investments?
While most do not yet offer direct exposure, some funds like AMP have started including Bitcoin through futures contracts. Additionally, SMSFs can legally invest in crypto if compliant with ATO guidelines.
Why do people invest in cryptocurrency?
Top reasons include social influence (52%), media exposure (46%), wealth-building goals (25%), and using crypto for purchases (6.2%).
Can I invest in Bitcoin through my SMSF?
Yes — many SMSFs are now investing in Bitcoin via regulated exchanges. As of 2025, 36.4% of SMSF investors are likely to allocate funds to Bitcoin, showing growing confidence in its long-term value.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Crypto in Australia
Cryptocurrency is no longer fringe in Australia — it’s a growing part of personal finance, retirement planning, and generational wealth transfer. With over 6 million adults involved, increasing institutional interest, and rising adoption among older and female demographics, the foundation for sustained growth is strong.
As regulatory clarity improves and more financial products emerge — including ETFs and super fund integrations — we can expect even wider participation in the years ahead.
Whether you're new to digital assets or looking to expand your portfolio, now is an ideal time to understand how crypto fits into your financial future.
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