Published 2026-03-24
Summary: Hostplus, one of Australia’s largest pension funds, is exploring the possibility of offering cryptocurrencies as an investment option for its members. The approach under consideration could involve exposure through a venture capital fund, potentially linked to Square Peg Capital, and remarks were made by the fund’s chief investment officer at the Intersekt fintech conference in Melbourne.
What We Know
- Hostplus is open to increasing its exposure to cryptocurrencies.
- Sam Sicilia is the chief investment officer of Hostplus.
- Any potential investment would likely be pursued through a venture capital vehicle, such as Square Peg Capital.
- Square Peg Capital is associated with Paul Bassat.
- Comments were made at the Intersekt financial technology conference in Melbourne.
What’s Still Unclear
- Whether Hostplus has already invested in cryptocurrency or plans to imminently do so remains unspecified.
- The exact structure of any crypto exposure (direct vs. fund-based) has not been confirmed beyond the VC fund possibility.
- There is no specified timeline or target allocation for cryptocurrency exposure in the fund’s portfolio.
- Financial and risk-management implications for Hostplus members have not been disclosed.
Context
Contextual background: A number of large pension pools and institutional investors have historically steered clear of cryptocurrencies due to volatility, regulatory considerations, and risk management concerns. Conversations at fintech conferences often surface strategic considerations about whether new asset classes could fit within long-horizon investment mandates and member outcomes.
Why It Matters
Exploring cryptocurrency exposure could signal a shift in how pension funds evaluate and potentially diversify alternative assets. The choice of investment vehicles and governance around risk, liquidity, and compliance will be critical for member outcomes and fund stewardship.
What to Watch Next
- Any formal decision or public statement from Hostplus regarding cryptocurrency exposure.
- Details on the chosen investment vehicle, if any, and any associated partners or managers.
- Updates from Sam Sicilia or Hostplus on risk frameworks and governance for crypto investments.
- Industry reactions from peers and regulators regarding institutional cryptocurrency exposure.
FAQ
Q: What is the potential investment approach for Hostplus regarding cryptocurrency?
A: The information suggests a possibility of exposure through a venture capital fund such as Square Peg Capital, but specifics are not confirmed.
Q: Has Hostplus already started investing in cryptocurrency?
A: Not confirmed in the available information.
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Source Transparency
- This article is based on a short preliminary brief and may not reflect the full details available in ongoing reporting.
- Source links are provided in the Sources section where available.
- A limited open-web check was used to clarify key details when possible; unclear items remain clearly marked.
Original brief: One of Australia’s largest pension funds, Hostplus, is considering offering cryptocurrencies as an investment option to its members, an asset class that’s so far been largely shunned by its industry rivals…
Sources
- 'Can't be ignored': Hostplus, Square Peg open to crypto investments
- 'Can't be ignored': Hostplus, Square Peg open to crypto investments
- 'Can't be ignored': Hostplus, Square Peg open to crypto investments
- Crypto too big to ignore: Hostplus | The Australian
- $75 Billion Aussie Super Fund Hostplus: 'Crypto is Too Big to Ignore'