A new survey reveals that many young Australians regret not investing in Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies a decade ago, highlighting the growing influence of digital assets on financial decisions. According to research by crypto broker Swyftx and conducted by YouGov, over 40% of Gen Z and Millennials in Australia now view missing early crypto investments as one of their biggest financial mistakes.
Survey Details: Regret Over Missed Crypto Opportunities
The survey polled 3,009 Australians under the age of 35 and found that nearly half of the respondents regretted missing out on cryptocurrency investments in the past decade. Following crypto, the next most common regrets were failing to buy property and not investing in major technology companies such as Apple and Amazon.
In 2015, Bitcoin traded between $172 and $465, near the end of a bear market. Fast forward to today, BTC has surged over 23,000% to trade at around $107,505, demonstrating the extraordinary returns early adopters have enjoyed. Ethereum (ETH) has also experienced significant growth, reinforcing crypto’s appeal as a wealth-building tool.
Crypto as a Way to Tackle the Housing Crisis
Swyftx notes that younger Australians often see cryptocurrency as a potential solution to the country’s housing affordability challenges. Australia ranks as the sixth most expensive property market globally, behind countries such as Switzerland, South Korea, and Luxembourg.
“Housing unaffordability at this scale is a predicament other generations didn’t face, and crypto is seen as an opportunity to get ahead,” a Swyftx spokesperson explained. The survey suggests that many Gen Z and Millennial Australians view crypto as a high-beta investment that could help them achieve financial independence and enter the property market.
Shift From Stocks to Crypto
The survey also highlights a growing trend among younger investors shifting preference from traditional stocks to digital assets. Since 2022, the gap between young Australians planning to invest in shares versus crypto has nearly halved. Swyftx CEO Jason Titman stated that within two years, young retail investors in the country may be just as likely to buy Bitcoin as they are to purchase standard stocks.
However, he emphasized that regulatory clarity will play a crucial role in sustaining this momentum. Proper investor protections and regulations are likely to encourage more Australians to enter the crypto market, similar to the “halo effect” observed in the U.S., where institutional participation has increased following regulatory clarity.
Regulatory Outlook and Market Participation
The Australian government, under the Labor Party, proposed a new crypto framework in March 2025, aiming to regulate exchanges under existing financial services laws. Experts believe such regulation will be key to unlocking significant investment activity among younger Australians.
The Swyftx spokesperson noted, “The data we have is consistent, and it tells us that millions more investors will enter the market when it is regulated.” This suggests that regulation could act as a catalyst, similar to recent trends in the U.S., where major banks like Morgan Stanley have expanded crypto offerings following clearer rules.
Gen Z Using Crypto for Income
The survey further highlighted that Gen Z Australians, aged between 15 and 29, are actively using crypto not just for investment, but also to supplement their income. Among this age group, 82% of investors reported making profits, with an average gain of $9,958 over the past year. Overall, 78% of Australian crypto users reported profits from trading, reflecting the market’s record highs and growing adoption.
Swyftx’s findings indicate that crypto is increasingly seen as a practical financial tool, not just a speculative asset. The combination of potential wealth generation, high returns, and income supplementation has made digital currencies a key consideration for younger investors navigating economic challenges.
Conclusion
The Swyftx survey underscores a major trend in Australia: younger generations are keenly aware of the missed opportunities in crypto investing. With Bitcoin and Ethereum posting extraordinary gains over the last decade, many Gen Z and Millennial Australians feel locked out of both crypto and property markets.
Regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and ongoing market growth are likely to determine how these younger investors engage with cryptocurrency in the coming years. As more Australians recognize crypto’s potential as both an investment and income supplement, digital assets may play a central role in shaping financial futures.
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