The Australian government is moving to tighten its grip on the digital asset industry, with newly proposed regulations targeting crypto exchanges, custodians, brokerages, and stablecoin issuers. The policy shift aims to bring these platforms under the country’s existing financial services laws to bolster consumer protection, ensure market integrity, and support responsible innovation.
The announcement was made in a policy paper released by the Treasury on March 20, outlining a broad framework for regulating key components of the crypto sector.
New Licensing Requirements for Digital Asset Platforms
Under the proposed framework, digital asset platforms that hold or manage customer assets—such as crypto exchanges, custodial services, and token brokerages—would be required to operate under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL).
The move is part of the government’s attempt to “identify opportunities, manage risks, unlock innovation, protect consumers and uphold market integrity,” according to the policy paper.
While blockchain infrastructure providers and developers creating non-financial digital assets would be exempt, entities handling customer funds or providing direct access to financial-like services would face new oversight.
Stablecoins Classified as Stored-Value Facilities
The paper also includes measures to regulate stablecoin issuers, especially those offering tokens used for payments. These issuers will be treated as tokenised stored-value facilities (SVFs), subject to redemption requirements and customer asset protections similar to existing stored-value providers.
Disclosure obligations would also be introduced for tokens without identifiable issuers, a growing category in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
Still, platforms listing stablecoins or wrapped tokens won’t automatically be classified as financial markets, meaning secondary trading won’t carry additional licensing obligations unless tied to broader financial services.
Tailored Rules for Startups and Small-Scale Projects
Recognizing the importance of fostering early-stage innovation, the Treasury paper suggests lighter compliance measures for small or emerging projects. While these platforms may not be subject to full licensing requirements, they would still need to adhere to tailored rules designed to ensure basic consumer protection and risk management.
Timeline and Next Steps
A draft law is expected in 2025, though specific rollout dates are yet to be confirmed. The proposed framework would represent one of the most comprehensive regulatory shifts for Australia’s crypto sector to date.
Addressing De-Banking Concerns
The policy paper also tackles the persistent issue of de-banking, where traditional financial institutions cut off services to crypto businesses. The government said it is engaging with Australia’s major banks to understand and resolve the issue.
“De-banking can have a devastating impact on de-banked businesses and individuals. It can also stifle competition and innovation in the financial services sector,” the paper warned.
Notably, several major Australian banks, including Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB, and HSBC Australia, have previously restricted or severed relationships with crypto firms, citing compliance risks.
By establishing a clearer regulatory regime, the government hopes to restore trust between crypto firms and banks, ensuring smoother integration with the broader financial system.
Broader Vision: Tokenisation, DeFi, and CBDC Research
Looking ahead, Australian regulators plan to explore how tokenisation could reshape capital markets, improve tax reporting standards for digital assets, and monitor developments in decentralized finance (DeFi). The government also reiterated its intention to study the potential benefits of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) within the domestic financial landscape.
