SMSF Innovation Council Launches to Advance Crypto Integration in Super Portfolios

June 18, 2025 04:06 PM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media

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SMSF Innovation Council Launches to Advance Crypto Integration in Super Portfolios — Image source: Shutterstock

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Highlights

New 12-member council formed to guide digital asset integration in SMSFs

Led by OKX Australia CEO, targeting governance and trustee advocacy

Moves align with potential tax changes on high-value super funds

A new era in self-managed super fund (SMSF) innovation has commenced with the official launch of a 12-member industry council, spearheaded by OKX Australia's CEO Kate Cooper. Designed to support digital asset adoption within SMSFs, this initiative coincides with rising interest in cryptocurrency inclusion and anticipated legislative changes affecting high-value retirement portfolios.

The SMSF Innovation Council debuted at the Australian Digital Economy Conference, an event organised by the Digital Economy Council of Australia. Its formation precedes the upcoming launch of OKX Australia’s SMSF product, reflecting strategic alignment with broader shifts in Australia's financial landscape.

One of the council’s core missions is to enhance dialogue and policy development around digital assets in superannuation, fostering regulation that balances innovation with trustee protection. According to Cooper, the goal is to build a sustainable framework where digital economy opportunities can be explored under strong governance protocols. Key focus areas also include best practice governance, trustee education, support mechanisms, and robust advocacy.

This move comes as the federal government contemplates a significant policy shift—taxing unrealised gains on super balances above $3 million. Such proposals could influence how Australians structure and diversify their SMSF investments, making discussions around digital asset integration more timely than ever.

BGL Corporate Solutions, a notable SMSF administration platform, revealed that 3.6% of SMSF tax returns lodged via its system in FY2024 included cryptocurrency holdings, totaling $919 million in asset value. This trend underscores a growing appetite for digital assets among trustees seeking diversification.

Council members include industry leaders such as Shane Brunette of Crypto Tax Calculator, Michael Jeffriess of LightYear Docs and Naked Accounting, Shelley Banton of ASF Audits, and Shane Mays of PKF Melbourne. Each member brings experience in digital finance, taxation, compliance, or accounting, helping the council steer Australia’s SMSF sector into the digital era.

As the ASX200 stocks landscape continues evolving, with more investors exploring diversified options across asset classes, digital assets are emerging as a serious consideration for forward-looking trustees.

With SMSFs representing a significant portion of Australia’s retirement savings framework, initiatives like this are likely to play a critical role in shaping the future of wealth management and retirement planning.

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