Australia Proposes Crypto Licensing Framework, Grants Stablecoin Distribution Relief ∞ Regulation

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Briefing

The Australian government has initiated a legislative consultation to establish a comprehensive licensing framework for cryptoasset trading platforms and tokenized asset custodians, alongside granting class relief for stablecoin intermediaries. This dual action, launched in late September, aims to integrate previously unregulated digital asset services into a robust compliance structure, thereby enhancing consumer protection and market integrity. The consultation period concludes on October 24, 2025, marking a critical juncture for industry input to shape Australia’s long-term digital asset policy.

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Context

Prior to these recent initiatives, Australia’s digital asset sector operated under a fragmented regulatory landscape where cryptoasset exchanges and custodians were primarily subject to Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) supervision, lacking explicit oversight for consumer protection and market conduct. This ambiguity created a prevailing compliance challenge, with industry participants expressing concerns that the country’s slow pace in establishing comprehensive measures threatened its competitiveness compared to other rapidly evolving jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Analysis

This regulatory action fundamentally alters the operational requirements for digital asset businesses in Australia. Cryptoasset trading platforms and custodians will now need to secure an Australia Financial Services (AFS) license and obtain specific ASIC approvals, moving beyond mere AML/CFT registration to encompass broader consumer protection and market conduct standards. The class relief for stablecoin intermediaries, which waives the need for a separate license for secondary distribution of approved stablecoins, is a strategic move to foster innovation and accelerate consumer access, provided adequate disclosures are maintained. This integrated approach mandates a significant update to existing compliance frameworks, requiring entities to implement more rigorous internal controls, risk management protocols, and reporting mechanisms to align with the expanded regulatory scope.

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Parameters

Jurisdiction ∞ Australia
Primary Agencies ∞ Australian Government, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
Regulatory Actions ∞ Legislative consultation for cryptoasset trading platforms and custodians; Class relief for stablecoin intermediaries
Targeted Entities ∞ Cryptoasset trading platforms (DAPs), Tokenized custody platforms (TCPs), Stablecoin intermediaries
Consultation End Date ∞ October 24, 2025
Existing Stablecoin Framework ∞ Issuers require an AFS license

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Outlook

The ongoing consultation represents the next critical phase, as industry stakeholders have until October 24, 2025, to provide input that will directly influence the final legislative proposal. This proactive stance could set a precedent for other nations seeking to balance innovation with robust oversight in nascent digital asset markets. The class relief for stablecoins, while immediately fostering market flexibility, also signals a strategic intent to develop a more detailed domestic stablecoin regulatory framework over the long term, potentially attracting further investment and solidifying Australia’s position as a regional digital asset hub.

Australia’s dual regulatory approach, combining a comprehensive licensing consultation with immediate stablecoin distribution relief, decisively advances its digital asset market maturation by establishing clearer compliance pathways and fostering innovation within a controlled framework.

Signal Acquired from ∞ elliptic.co