Primary Regulator: ASIC
Policy Events Tracked: 20
Last Updated: May 06, 2026
Q: What is the current crypto regulatory status in Australia?
A: Australia is actively developing its cryptocurrency regulatory framework under ASIC. We track 20 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.
Coinbase Australia launched support for self-managed super funds (SMSFs), enabling trustees to add crypto exposure to AU$1.06 trillion retirement portfolios. The service includes downloadable data aligned with local accounting standards and verification process built for Australian fund structures. Follows Coinbase AFSL approval in April 2026. OKX also competing in SMSF market. Aligns with US trend of expanding crypto access in retirement systems.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission approved definitive custody framework for regulated digital asset custodians under the Digital Assets Framework Bill. Licensed custodians must implement cold storage requirements, insurance coverage of 100% of customer assets, and quarterly third-party audits.
Australia's digital asset licensing framework firmed up with ASIC confirming 90-day compliance window for crypto platforms. Approximately 400 crypto platforms operate in Australia with only ~10% holding ASIC registration. ASIC class no-action letter expires June 30, 2026 - after which unregistered platforms lose protection. Coinbase became first exchange to receive direct AFSL approval, establishing precedent for major platforms. Two-tier framework requires AFSL for platforms with annual volume >AUD$10M.
Coinbase has become the first cryptocurrency exchange to receive direct Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) approval from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This milestone follows Australia's Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 enacted in April 2026, which requires crypto exchanges and custody providers to obtain AFSL. The approval positions Australia as a potential APAC crypto hub alongside Hong Kong and Singapore.
Australia has solidified its two-tier regulatory framework for cryptocurrency platforms in 2026. Platforms with annual volume exceeding $10 million AUD are now required to obtain an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) in addition to AUSTRAC registration.
IG Group-owned Independent Reserve announced plans to expand services across Singapore, Australia, and UAE in H2 2026, focusing on corporate, accredited, and institutional clients. The expansion signals maturing APAC market with increasing institutional interest.
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.