Australia Eases Crypto Licensing Rules in Transition Period
Australia’s securities regulator has granted temporary relief to digital asset companies, exempting stablecoin distributors, wrapped token intermediaries, and custodians from licensing requirements until mid-2026. The MOVE by ASIC aims to smooth the transition to full compliance while addressing industry concerns about regulatory burdens.
Key exemptions include waived licensing for stablecoin and wrapped token services, along with permission for omnibus custody structures—a practice common in traditional finance. Firms must still maintain rigorous record-keeping to qualify.
The December 9 announcement extends earlier relief measures, reflecting ASIC’s responsiveness to crypto sector feedback. Companies now have 18 months to secure proper licenses before the grace period expires on June 30, 2026.
