Young Australians May Regret Overlooking Bitcoin Investments a Decade Ago

• Regret ranks highest among under-35s: Nearly half lament skipping crypto, outpacing regrets over property or Big Tech stocks.

• Crypto seen as housing solution: Young investors eye digital assets to bypass Australia’s expensive property market.

• Profit trends strong: 78% of Australian crypto users reported gains last year, with Gen Z averaging $9,958 in profits.

Discover why over 40% of young Australians regret missing crypto investments and how it’s reshaping their financial strategies in 2025. Explore survey insights and tips to avoid future FOMO. Start investing wisely today.

What Drives Young Australians’ Regret Over Missing Crypto Investments?

Young Australians’ regret over missing crypto investments stems from cryptocurrency’s explosive growth, particularly Bitcoin’s rise from under $500 in 2015 to over $107,000 today, offering life-changing returns. A recent Swyftx survey of 3,009 Australians reveals that 40% of those under 35 see this as their top financial missed opportunity from the past decade, surpassing regrets about property or tech stocks. This sentiment is fueled by institutional adoption, including corporate and pension fund buying of Bitcoin and Ether, which has driven sustained price appreciation.

In 2015, Bitcoin traded between $172 and $465 amid a bear market recovery, but its subsequent 23,019% gain underscores the transformative potential many now envy. Overall, 80% of Australians under 50 expressed dissatisfaction with their past investment decisions, highlighting a generational shift toward alternative assets.

How Is Crypto Viewed as a Solution to Australia’s Housing Crisis?

Cryptocurrency is increasingly perceived by young Australians as a viable path to overcoming housing unaffordability, with many believing early investments could have funded property purchases. Australia ranks as the world’s sixth most expensive property market, behind nations like Switzerland and Norway, per data from Australian Property Investor Magazine. A Swyftx spokesperson noted, “Housing unaffordability at this scale is a predicament other generations didn’t face, and crypto is seen as an opportunity to get ahead.”

The survey indicates that under-35s are drawn to crypto’s high-return potential, with 40% citing it as a key regret. Younger investors, seeking high-beta assets, demonstrate solid understanding of the space, blending optimism with realism about volatility. This perspective positions digital currencies not just as speculative tools but as strategic alternatives to traditional real estate barriers, especially as institutional inflows bolster market stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Australian Gen Z and Millennials regret not buying crypto 10 years ago?

Australian Gen Z and Millennials regret missing crypto investments due to Bitcoin’s massive appreciation from around $200 in 2015 to over $107,000 in 2025, representing over 23,000% gains. The Swyftx survey of 3,009 people shows 40% of under-35s rank this as their biggest financial oversight, ahead of property or stock misses, amid growing institutional adoption.

How are young Australians using crypto to supplement income?

Young Australians, especially Gen Z aged 15 to 29, are turning to cryptocurrency trading to boost their earnings, with 78% reporting profits last year and Gen Z averaging nearly $10,000 per profitable investor. This group favors long-term holds despite volatility, viewing crypto as a high-reward side hustle in a tough economic landscape.

Younger Australians Swapping Stocks for Crypto Investments

The preference among younger Australians for cryptocurrency over traditional stocks has intensified, with the gap in planned investments halving since 2022. Swyftx CEO Jason Titman emphasized that within two years, Bitcoin purchases could match stock buys among retail investors, contingent on enhanced regulations. “The data suggests younger retail investors will be just as likely to buy Bitcoin as standard shares,” Titman stated in the report.

Regulation remains pivotal, as Australia’s government under the Labor Party proposed integrating crypto exchanges into existing financial laws in March. A Swyftx spokesperson explained, “The data tells us that millions more investors will enter the market when it is regulated,” drawing parallels to the U.S., where firms like Morgan Stanley have embraced crypto following regulatory clarity. This “halo effect” could accelerate adoption Down Under, reducing bank frictions that persist despite years of progress.

Gen Z Leading Crypto Profits and Income Strategies

Gen Z Australians, born between 1996 and 2010, are not only profiting from crypto but also leveraging it to supplement incomes amid economic pressures. The survey found 82% of Gen Z crypto investors achieved profits averaging $9,958, the highest among age groups. With 78% of all Australian crypto users reporting gains from trading in the past year, this demographic’s approach reflects confidence in long-term horizons.

“Our Gen Z clients have longer investment horizons and anecdotally we know that they’re not overly concerned about the annualized volatility of Bitcoin and other crypto assets,” the Swyftx spokesperson shared. This resilience positions crypto as a practical tool for financial independence, contrasting with traditional investments hampered by market entry barriers.

Key Takeaways

• High Regret Levels: 40% of under-35 Australians view missing crypto as their top decade-long regret, driven by Bitcoin’s extraordinary returns.
• Housing Alternative: Crypto offers young people a perceived shortcut to property goals in one of the world’s priciest markets.
• Regulatory Boost Needed: Clear rules could equalize crypto and stock appeal, unlocking mass adoption among retail investors.

Conclusion

The Swyftx survey underscores young Australians’ regret over missing crypto investments as a pivotal moment, with Gen Z and Millennials increasingly favoring digital assets for profits and housing solutions. As institutional buying and regulatory frameworks evolve, crypto’s role in wealth building grows undeniable. Forward-thinking investors should prioritize education and protected platforms to seize emerging opportunities without repeating past oversights.