Primary Regulator: ASIC
Policy Events Tracked: 14
Last Updated: April 05, 2026
Q: What is the current crypto regulatory status in Australia?
A: Australia is actively developing its cryptocurrency regulatory framework under ASIC. We track 14 policy events for this jurisdiction.
Q: Do I need a license to operate a crypto exchange in Australia?
A: Yes, most crypto-related activities in Australia require licensing from ASIC. See our policy tracker for specific requirements.
Q: What are the latest regulatory developments?
A: See the timeline below for the most recent policy events affecting Australia.
Australia has passed its first comprehensive digital-asset law, requiring crypto exchanges and custody providers to obtain Australian Financial Services Licenses (AFSL). Key provisions: 1) Stablecoins, wrapped tokens, and tokenised securities classified as financial products, 2) ASIC introduced no-action position until June 30, 2026 for firms making genuine compliance efforts, 3) AUD$24 billion market opportunity comes into focus. The law addresses a gap exposed when 524 retail investors gained access to high-risk crypto derivatives without proper protections between July 2022-April 2023.
IG Group-owned Independent Reserve announces APAC expansion plans from 2026, with yield products under consideration pending regulatory approval. Yield has become contested in regulated markets with supervisors scrutinizing generation methods, counterparty exposure, and client asset treatment. Australia's evolving licensing framework will determine product rollout timeline.
Coinbase Australia director and APAC MD John O'Loghlen welcomed the Senate committee report on the Digital Assets Framework Bill but highlighted the persistent issue of debanking, which was referenced extensively throughout the Bill. The proposed legislation would integrate cryptocurrency platforms and custody providers into Australia's financial services framework, requiring AFSL within 6 months if passed.
Australian-based cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve announces plans to launch new regulated crypto services for corporates and institutions across Singapore, Australia, and UAE from 2026. The expansion signals growing institutional demand for regulated APAC crypto infrastructure.
The Senate Economics Legislation Committee has backed proposed legislation to integrate cryptocurrency platforms and custody providers into Australia financial services framework. The Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 would require firms holding digital assets on behalf of customers to obtain AFSL within 6 months if passed.
A final review of the highly anticipated regime to bring crypto exchanges and digital wallets under the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is expected. However, wide adoption of stablecoins remains unlikely before the introduction of bespoke licensing frameworks.
Australia securities regulator ASIC published an expert opinion paper arguing crypto should be regulated by the financial function it performs, not by the technology behind it. This function-based approach diverges from both US and EU regulatory frameworks.
Kate Cooper, CEO of OKX Australia, addressed the XRP Australia 2026 event in Sydney highlighting that banking service restrictions continue to hinder crypto exchange operations despite regulatory discussions. Industry leaders express frustration with financial institution policies toward cryptocurrency businesses as legislative progress stalls.
Australian crypto industry leaders urge government to take decisive action on digital asset regulation or risk falling behind APAC peers. Industry calls for policymakers to review digital payments developments through international lens as growing number of private and public sector actors integrate alternative payment systems.
Pantera Capital-backed Solana infrastructure firm announces major APAC staking network buildout. Construction begins immediately with performance optimization and new technology integration planned for H2 2026. Move signals growing institutional interest in APAC-based validator infrastructure and staking services.