Policy Events Tracked: 19
Jurisdictions Covered: 10
Last Updated: May 06, 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 19 policy events across 10 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.
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.
Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) published Consultation Paper P009-2026 proposing principle-based alternative to Basel Committee's punitive 1,250% risk-weight treatment for cryptoassets on permissionless blockchains. Key changes: MAS would allow certain permissionless blockchain assets (including USDC, USDT) to qualify for more favorable Group 1 capital treatment if banks demonstrate adequate risk mitigation. During interim period (until Jan 1 2027), Singapore banks face exposure caps: 2% of Tier 1 capital for Group 1 permissionless crypto exposures, and 5% for issuances creating bank liabilities. Banks must pre-notify MAS and obtain senior management sign-off before adoption. Consultation closes May 18, 2026. Move represents deliberate departure from Basel's position, citing advances in implementation practices and technology-neutral principles. Final framework expected January 1, 2027.
Pakistan's Central Bank lifts its seven-year ban on cryptocurrency services, allowing licensed banks to provide banking services to crypto businesses under the newly enacted Virtual Assets Act 2026. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) notified all banks to open accounts for licensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs), marking first formal banking integration for crypto sector. Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) established to oversee exchanges and digital asset service providers. Move positions Pakistan as a progressive South Asian crypto jurisdiction ahead of India.
Bhutan's government Bitcoin holdings declined to all-time lows as 2026 outflows reached $240M. The nation moved 250 BTC on April 13, extending the year-to-date sell-off that has reduced holdings by 73% from October 2024 peak. Analysis suggests potential treasury liquidity needs or strategic diversification.
Gobi Partners announced investment in Transak, a global payments infrastructure provider enabling compliant fiat-to-digital-asset conversion across 64+ countries with 21+ regulatory approvals. Transak plans to expand APAC presence with Hong Kong headquarters consolidation. Platform incorporates mandatory KYC, AML controls, risk monitoring, and local payment integrations. Serves as critical infrastructure for regulated crypto exchanges and VASPs across APAC meeting compliance requirements.
Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) and BitGo Inc. signed a three-year strategic agreement for digital asset infrastructure on March 30, 2026. BitGo will provide institutional-grade custody services including cold storage, policy-based governance, and asset segregation. The partnership aims to build a regulated cryptocurrency market and lay groundwork for tokenized finance in Kazakhstan. The National Bank of Kazakhstan plans to launch a national crypto custodial service by May 2026, positioning the country as a Central Asian digital asset hub.
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.