Crypto has always had a certain sparkle — fast moves, big promises, and a constant stream of online hype. But ASIC’s latest national survey shows just how deeply younger Australians are being swept up in it, and why the regulator is sounding the alarm.

According to the research, one in four Gen Z Australians now owns cryptocurrency, and 66% admit they’re speculating rather than investing. Many are chasing the “latest new coins”, hoping to pick a winner before the crowd. Fifteen percent even describe their approach as “a bit of a punt”.

ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland put it plainly:
“Short‑term or speculative trading based on what’s popular online carries real risks, particularly in volatile markets like crypto.”

We couldn’t agree more.

📱 Social Media: The New (and Risky) Financial Adviser

The survey highlights a major shift in where young Australians get their financial information:

• 63% rely on social media
• 30% use YouTube
• 18% use AI platforms
• More than half trust financial information from influencers

And almost three‑quarters have seen crypto ads on social media — often designed to trigger FOMO rather than informed decision‑making.

ASIC’s concern is simple: when your “research” is a TikTok clip or a trending meme coin, you’re not investing — you’re gambling.

💡 The Intech View: Crypto Is Speculation, Not Strategy

Crypto isn’t going away — but neither is its volatility. At Intech, we remain sceptical of crypto as an investment. It lacks the transparency, fundamentals, and long‑term evidence that underpin genuine wealth creation.

ASIC’s message aligns with ours:

• Be curious, but cautious
• Don’t rely on hype, influencers, or algorithms
• Understand the difference between investing and speculating
• Build decisions on evidence, not excitement

For families watching younger members dive into digital assets, this is a timely moment to start a conversation about risk, resilience, and long‑term thinking.

If you’d like to explore how speculative assets fit — or don’t fit — within a disciplined investment strategy, we’re always here to help.