Thousands of New Zealanders could face delayed retirements due to under-diversified KiwiSaver portfolios, according to new research prompting calls for more adviser education on emerging asset classes.

KiwiSaver balances have hit a record $112 billion, with the average member’s balance now $33,514, yet most funds remain focused on traditional investments.

Swyftx CEO Jason Titman says only two providers offer any digital asset exposure, leaving New Zealand “behind global trends” seen in countries like Canada and Singapore.

“If you’d invested $10 a day in Bitcoin over the past 10 years, that $36,500 would now be worth around $2.8 million,” says Titman.

“Even a small allocation to high-growth assets can dramatically shift long-term outcomes.”

While balanced KiwiSaver funds returned about 6–7% annually over the past decade, digital assets have delivered far greater gains, albeit with higher volatility.

Titman says a disciplined 3–5% allocation could modernise portfolios without taking unnecessary risks.

For Hibiscus Coast residents, the debate matters because a large portion of the community is in KiwiSaver’s core demographic of 25–45-year-olds, many already self-investing in crypto outside the system.

If KiwiSaver adapts, locals could benefit from more choice and potentially faster retirement growth.

Titman is calling for improved adviser training and certification to help navigate these options, noting 14% of Kiwis already invest in digital assets independently.

“Better-informed advisers build better portfolios,” he says.

“The goal isn’t speculation, it’s meeting future retirement needs.”

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