What happened
Federal parliament passed the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025, requiring cryptocurrency exchanges and custody providers to obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Under the new framework, digital asset platforms must act efficiently, honestly, and fairly, marking Australia's first formal inclusion of crypto entities within mainstream financial law.
Why it matters here
Regulatory oversight lowers counterparty risk for Australian retail and SMSF investors exploring digital assets. Mandating AFSL compliance forces local platforms to adhere to strict operational standards, weeding out bad actors while integrating crypto products further into Australia's broader financial advice and wealth management landscape.
What to watch
Watch ASIC regulatory guidance releases detailing licensing transition deadlines, compliance requirements, and implementation schedules for existing digital asset platforms operating in Australia.
Source
coinmarketcap.com