Over 32% of Australians Have Owned Crypto: What’s Driving the Surge?

Crypto adoption in Australia has boomed. It’s turning into a permanent part of how people invest, store value, and make online payments. And the numbers back that up.

A 2025 report shows that 32.5% of Australians have either owned or currently hold cryptocurrency. That’s a notable increase from previous years and works out to around 6.3 million people across the country.

The surge in cryptocurrency ownership displays a significant transformation in Australia’s view on cryptocurrency technology which demonstrates the growing acceptance of digital currencies as a legitimate means of transaction and investment, including their use on licensed online casinos in Australia, where crypto payments are increasingly supported. 

Young Investors Still Lead, But Others Are Catching Up

Young adults, particularly those aged 25–34, are at the forefront of this trend, with over half (53%) reporting ownership. While men continue to dominate the crypto space, female participation is on the rise, with 21.9% of women owning digital assets in 2025.

Profitability is Up, and So is Confidence

Confidence in crypto appears to be on firmer ground. More than 57% of crypto holders reported turning a profit in 2025. That’s a noticeable improvement from 2024, when only 37% said the same.

Those who’ve held crypto for more than six years are doing even better. Among long-term investors, 73.5% saw gains, indicating that patience and strategy are beginning to pay off—especially with established assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Regulation is Still a Work in Progress

Despite rising adoption, crypto regulation in Australia still brings uncertainty. According to the Australian Treasury’s recent Crypto Asset Reporting Framework, the government is working to tighten tax and reporting rules to align with OECD standards. The framework includes requirements for exchanges and custodians to disclose more user data for taxation purposes.

But unclear enforcement continues to frustrate users. Nearly 1 in 5 crypto investors say they’ve faced restrictions or issues from banks when trying to move funds in or out of crypto platforms.

CBDC Pilot Moves Ahead, But it’s Not a Replacement

On the central banking front, the Reserve Bank of Australia recently completed its pilot for a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The goal isn’t to replace crypto, but rather to explore how a digital Aussie dollar might support faster payments and reduce costs for certain industries. So far, the pilot has tested settlement of tokenized assets, cross-border payments, and even tokenized invoices for businesses.

Looking Ahead

Australia’s crypto user base is expected to reach 11.38 million by the end of 2025, if current growth holds. That means nearly half the adult population could have some exposure to crypto by next year.

With improved access, stronger investor sentiment, and ongoing government involvement, it’s clear that crypto is no longer a fringe idea in Australia. It’s becoming part of how everyday Aussies manage their money.