Provided the investment is permitted by the fund’s trust deed and is consistent with its investment strategy, self-managed super funds (SMSFs) can invest in cryptocurrency assets in Australia, subject to compliance with superannuation law and tax rules. Operating an SMSF with Crypto Investments is one of the more strictly regulated areas within the superannuation setup.
With more than $3 billion in crypto assets held across Australian SMSFs as of December 2025, It’s observable that SMSFs increasingly hold crypto assets as part of long-term retirement strategies. Read on for more information on whether cryptocurrency is a permitted SMSF asset, some compliance considerations for trustees, as well as what to consider before investing.
Investing in crypto assets under SMSFs can be complex to navigate, particularly given the rules and tax considerations involved. As Cryptocurrency is typically extremely volatile and carries significant risks, trustees should fully understand the risks, obligations and regulatory requirements before extending. This article is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances and objectives.
Key takeaways
SMSFs may hold crypto investments in Australia, if the fund’s trust deed explicitly permits it; and the investment strategy addresses any and all risks as well as compliance requirements in accordance with the Superannuation Industry (supervision) Act 1993 and ATO guidance.
As a general rule, crypto assets are taxed as a capital gains tax (CGT) asset. However, your SMSF’s tax treatment may vary depending on its circumstances.
Crypto assets must be held in the name of the SMSF, not in a trustee’s personal wallet or exchange account.
Before investing, research the volatility, compliance requirements, costs and how you can put together a documented investment strategy.
Is investing in cryptocurrency under SMSF permitted in Australia?
The ability to hold crypto isn’t automatic. Before an SMSF can invest in crypto asset, it must meet two strict conditions:
The fund’s trust deed must explicitly allow it: The SMSF trust deed is the governing document of your SMSF. It must specifically allow investments in crypto assets or use language broad enough to include crypto assets. If the trust deed was drafted before the establishment of crypto, it may need to be updated. The prudent approach is to have the deed reviewed by an SMSF professional.
The fund’s investment strategy must address it: In addition to the trust deed, your SMSF investment strategy must explain why cryptocurrency fits the fund’s risk profile and retirement objectives. It will need to address factors such as volatility, diversification, liquidity and more.
If either of these documents doesn’t permit or address cryptocurrency, investing in crypto assets could constitute a breach in compliance. Due to the severity of the situation, trustees should seek professional advice before proceeding with crypto investments. Additionally, as with any SMSF investment, the transaction must adhere to superannuation laws and tax rules.
Key considerations for SMSF trustees investing in cryptocurrency
While crypto investments may help to diversify your SMSF’s portfolio, there are several risks and potential downsides that trustees should be aware of:
Price volatility: Cryptocurrency is one of, if not the most, volatile asset classes around. Prices can swing dramatically in very short periods of time, which might not suit your investment strategy. Trustees should think about how significant price movements could impact the fund’s ability to meet its goals.
Regulatory and compliance burden: Holding crypto in an SMSF comes with compliance obligations beyond those of standard investments. The cost and effort of keeping proper records, getting annual audits and staying up to date with ATO guidance should all be factored into your final decision.
Security risks: The decentralised nature of cryptocurrency means that custody and security are the trustee’s responsibility. Lost private keys or exchange hacks could cause the permanent loss of assets.
Liquidity: While major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum can be very liquid, smaller tokens can be harder to sell quickly, especially when the market is stressed.
Investment strategy: A documented investment strategy is a legal necessity for every SMSF. You’ll need your strategy to explain how cryptocurrency fits within the fund’s broader asset allocation and how the risks have been factored in. Trustees will also need to update this strategy regularly.
Before investing, consider seeking advice from a qualified financial adviser or SMSF specialist.
Invest in crypto through your SMSF with CMC Invest
CMC Invest offers eligible SMSF trustees a way to invest in cryptocurrency through their self-managed super fund. Trustees may be able to open a CMC Invest account for an existing SMSF to access to a range of crypto assets and traditional investments from one platform.
With CMC Invest, eligible SMSF trustees can enjoy a selection of crypto tokens, as well as over 40,000 stocks and ETFs from the ASX and 15 global markets, options, warrants, bonds, managed funds and listed investment companies*. It’s the convenient way for trustees to manage their SMSF portfolio in one place, instead of juggling across multiple platforms.
*Cryptocurrencies are high-risk, complex and volatile. They are not regulated in the same way as shares or managed funds, and investors may not receive the same client protections that apply to regulated financial products or services.
The platform is also fully integrated with leading SMSF accounting software, including BGL and Class Super, which helps make reporting and compliance easier.
Ready to get started with crypto investing on CMC Invest? You can dive in straight away or learn more about SMSF investing with CMC Invest so you can take control of your super with total confidence.
Sources
Disclaimer: CMC Markets is an execution-only service provider. The article (whether or not it states any opinions) is for general information and education purposes only, and does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment, tax or other advice on which reliance should be placed and is warranted to be complete, accurate, or timely. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by CMC Markets or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. CMC Markets does not endorse or make any representation as to the accuracy or correctness of any third party content referred to in the article.
Investing in cryptocurrencies carries significant risks and is not suitable for all investors. You may lose of all your invested capital. Consequently, you should consider the information contained in this article in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs and do your own research. It’s important for you to consider the CMC Markets Stockbroking Limited Annexure C - Digital Assets Terms of Service and other associated disclosure documents on the CMC Invest website before you decide whether or not to acquire any cryptocurrencies or other digital assets. Please also note that you are not currently able to send cryptocurrencies to or from your trading account, or use cryptocurrencies purchased on the CMC Invest platform to pay for goods or services.
As at the date this article is published, the cryptocurrency services provided by CMC Markets Stockbroking Limited are not regulated under Chapter 7 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), and clients are not entitled to the same regulatory protections which apply to regulated financial products and services. Client cryptocurrencies are held by a sub-custodian.
