AUSTRAC Fines Cointree $75K for Delayed Suspicious Activity Reports

Australian regulator AUSTRAC has imposed a A$75,120 penalty on cryptocurrency exchange Cointree for failing to meet anti-money laundering reporting deadlines. The infringement notice cites delayed submission of suspicious matter reports (SMRs), which AUSTRAC claims hampered its ability to respond promptly to potential financial crimes.

Cointree voluntarily disclosed the compliance failures and has since remitted the fine in full. The payment resolves the matter without admission of liability. The exchange is now implementing corrective measures to strengthen its reporting systems.

The enforcement action comes as AUSTRAC reviews over 50 digital asset platforms. Regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrency businesses is intensifying ahead of anticipated stricter AML/CTF rules set to take effect in 2026.