Australia Expands Cryptocurrency Regulatory Framework with Multiple Measures to Support Industry Development

On October 29, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) issued an important update on digital asset regulation, aiming to broaden the scope of digital asset oversight.

According to the latest guidelines, new financial laws will explicitly apply to emerging digital asset sectors such as Stablecoins, Stake services, and tokenized products. The new guidelines also indicate that these laws will cover offshore and decentralized platforms serving local users.

To allow businesses time to adjust and apply for licenses, ASIC has approved a deferral until June 30, 2026. Additionally, ASIC has proposed relief measures for Stablecoin and wrapped token distributors, with a public consultation deadline of November 12, 2025.

This revision sets clearer expectations and standards for platforms storing or managing digital assets. ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland noted that distributed ledger technology and tokenization are reshaping the global financial system.

Kirkland also emphasized that the release of these new regulations responds to market demand for a clear regulatory framework and provides critical institutional support for businesses conducting compliant innovation in Australia.

The regulatory body further clarified that under current laws, many common digital assets are classified as financial products, and this stance will continue under upcoming legislation for digital asset platforms and payments.

Therefore, many service providers must obtain an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) to operate legally, ensuring consumer rights are protected and enabling enforcement actions when necessary.

Notably, this regulatory update further clarifies boundaries through 18 new classification examples, covering diverse scenarios from tokenized real estate to gaming NFTs.

These regulatory measures, together with recent proposals for cryptocurrency ATM regulation and draft licensing frameworks for digital asset providers, collectively establish a comprehensive digital asset regulatory system.

In summary, with the gradual implementation of these measures, Australia is poised to develop a complete and standardized regulatory framework for digital assets, aiming to balance innovation with risk management and promote healthy industry growth.

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