Australia Moves to Bring Crypto Under Full Financial Licensing Regime
Australia is overhauling its digital asset regulatory framework with the introduction of the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025. The legislation mandates that crypto businesses obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence, aligning them with traditional financial sector standards.
The shift ends the previous light-touch regime focused on anti-money laundering checks. Crypto platforms will now face stringent requirements around disclosure, customer protection, and governance. Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino framed the MOVE as balancing consumer safeguards with innovation support.
The bill integrates digital assets into Australia's broader legal system, covering property, tax, and insolvency laws. This regulatory alignment reflects growing mainstream adoption, with millions of Australians now transacting in cryptocurrencies.
