A recent survey conducted by the Australian crypto broker Swyftx (in partnership with YouGov) reveals a compelling sentiment among young Australians: many regret not investing in the cryptocurrency boom a decade ago.
Missed Opportunity: A Widespread Feeling
The survey, which involved 3,009 participants, found that more than 40% of Australians from the Generation Z and Millennial cohorts expressed regret for not investing in cryptocurrencies ten years ago — viewing it as a significant missed opportunity.
In fact, nearly half of those under 35 admitted they felt the same.
Additionally, many respondents also lamented not investing earlier in real estate or major tech company stocks such as Apple Inc. and Amazon.com, Inc..
The Cryptocurrency Alternative to Traditional Assets
One of the interesting insights from the survey is that younger Australians see cryptocurrencies — especially Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) — as a potential alternative to the usual investment vehicles. The report notes that one driver of regret is the sense of FOMO (“fear of missing out”) triggered by institutions, governments and pension funds in the U.S. accumulating Bitcoin and Ether in a structural way.
Moreover, given the high cost of housing in Australia — where the country ranks among the world’s most expensive real estate markets — many young people felt excluded from traditional property investment. They saw cryptocurrency as one of the few assets where potentially outsized gains might have helped them bypass those barriers.
Youth and Crypto: A Growing Relationship
The data show that younger investors in Australia are increasingly shifting toward cryptocurrencies rather than conventional equities. According to Swyftx’s CEO Jason Titman, there’s evidence that within two years retail younger investors may treat Bitcoin similarly to stocks — but much of that will depend on improved regulatory clarity.
In particular, the survey highlights that among crypto users under 50, a substantial portion reported actual profits in the past year. Gen Z investors indicated average gains of around USD 9,958 (from the 82% who generated profits).
Why the Regret?
Why do so many young Australians feel this way? A few factors stand out:
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Early undervaluation: Back in 2015, Bitcoin traded in the range of USD 172–465 during a bear market. Since then, its value reportedly rose by over 23,000% up to ~USD 108,505 at the time of the article.
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High barriers to traditional wealth paths: With housing prices extremely high in Australia, younger generations feel excluded. Crypto presented a more accessible (though riskier) path.
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Institutional involvement: The entry of large institutions into crypto has added legitimacy and triggered regret among those who didn’t participate earlier.
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Emerging mindset: Younger investors appear more comfortable with volatility and alternative asset classes like crypto than older cohorts.
Key Takeaways and Reflection
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It’s not just about missing crypto: The regret spans other major assets (real estate, tech stocks) as well. It highlights a broader feeling of having missed multiple growth opportunities.
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Regulation matters: According to Swyftx, clearer regulation could trigger a larger wave of investment from retail younger folks.
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Risk awareness remains essential: While some younger investors have profited, cryptocurrency remains highly volatile and speculative — not a guaranteed path to wealth. The article includes a clear disclaimer that the information is not investment advice.
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Timing and mindset matter: Many young investors now view crypto as part of their portfolio. Still, entering early is easier said than done, and timing the market remains challenging.
Conclusion
The sentiment among Australia’s younger generations underscores a growing narrative: technology-driven assets and non-traditional investments are increasingly seen as vital to wealth generation. For many, missing out on Bitcoin looks like a “what if” scenario that extends beyond just crypto — it touches on broader themes of generational opportunity, access to assets, and financial innovation.
While the regret is real, it also signals a shift: younger investors are paying attention to newer asset classes and may be more prepared to engage in them — provided they understand the risks and regulatory environment.
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