Coinbase and OKX are launching services for self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) in Australia, offering new ways to add cryptocurrency to retirement savings. SMSFs hold about A$1.7 billion in digital assets, up sevenfold since 2021, making them the first significant crypto exposure in the system. Both exchanges are seeing high demand for their SMSF services, with investors eager to allocate up to A$100,000 each in digital assets.

In the US, Fidelity Investments led the way by launching a Bitcoin 401(k) option in April 2022. After facing pushback from the Department of Labor, the cautionary guidance was lifted in May 2025, allowing plan sponsors to exercise discretion. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in August 2025 titled “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors,” directing the Department of Labor to revisit retirement-plan rules to include cryptocurrencies in 401(k)s and other accounts.

The executive order received both praise and criticism, with Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer welcoming the flexibility it offers while critics warned of potential risks to savers. Concerns about conflicts of interest arise as the Trump family is heavily invested in the crypto space, with the World Liberty Financial (WLFI) token, backed by the family, making its trading debut after raising more than $500 million.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Coinbase, OKX target Australia’s $2.8T pensions