Policy Events Tracked: 13
Jurisdictions Covered: 6
Last Updated: April 05, 2026
Q: Which APAC jurisdiction has the most progressive crypto custody rules framework?
A: Based on our policy tracking, Singapore and Hong Kong lead in crypto custody rules regulatory clarity. See the comparison below for details.
Q: What are the key trends in crypto custody rules across Asia-Pacific?
A: We've tracked 13 policy events across 6 jurisdictions. Major trends include regulatory harmonization efforts and increasing institutional adoption frameworks.
Q: How can I compare crypto custody rules requirements across jurisdictions?
A: Use our policy tracker to filter by topic and compare requirements side-by-side. Links to each jurisdiction below.
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.
The US Labor Department proposed a rule following a Trump executive order directing regulators to expand digital asset access in retirement portfolios. This could open trillions in 401(k) funds to crypto exposure. APAC exchanges and custodians with US-compliant infrastructure (HashKey, OSL) may benefit from increased institutional flows as US retirement capital seeks regulated crypto access points.
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.
South Korean police issued first-ever guidelines for handling privacy-focused cryptocurrencies ('dark coins') including Monero and Zcash. New rules require software wallets and professional custody services for seized dark coins, combining internal protocols with private sector oversight as crypto-related crimes and high-value seizures increase.
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.
Federal Reserve prepares capital rules that would penalize banks for holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets. The move comes as US crypto tensions escalate, potentially affecting APAC banks' digital asset strategies and cross-border custody arrangements.
Brazil's central bank introduced regulatory framework requiring licensed crypto exchanges to prove asset sufficiency daily starting January 1, 2027. Rules mandate strict segregation of company and client assets, specialized accounting standards for digital assets, and enhanced oversight of cross-border transfers with blockchain pathway reporting.
Hong Kong 2026-27 Budget confirms legislation this year to license digital asset dealers and custodians, including OTC brokers and custody service providers. The budget also sweetens tax regime to attract crypto-friendly family offices as part of broader digital asset hub strategy.
Hong Kong confirms first stablecoin licenses will be awarded in March 2026. Financial Secretary Paul Chan announces legislation for dealers and custodian service providers to broaden regulatory framework beyond existing rules for trading platforms. The city is racing to compete with Singapore and Dubai for regional crypto infrastructure business.
Central Bank of Brazil announces plan to advance institutional VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) regulatory framework by 2027. Focus on organizations operating crypto infrastructure and providing services to other institutions. Part of broader regulatory push following MERGE São Paulo 2026 discussions.