The data reveals there is a significant disconnect between financial advisers and their clients when it comes to cryptocurrency investment.

Olivia Long, founder and CEO 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,” said Long.

“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 comes at a time when interest in SMSFs is 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 remains 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 means many advisers are 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 believes that with the rise of digital asset ETFs, improved custody solutions, and increased regulatory clarity, it is 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,” she said.

“And the question advisers should be asking isn’t ‘Should we talk about it?’ It’s ‘Why aren’t we already?’”