Australia’s ASIC Grants Regulatory Relief for Stablecoin Intermediaries

Australia's securities regulator has taken a significant step toward stablecoin adoption by exempting intermediaries from additional licensing requirements. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will allow distributors to handle licensed stablecoins without separate Australian market or clearing facility licenses until June 2028.

Catena Digital Pty Ltd becomes the first approved issuer for its AUDM stablecoin under the new framework. The relief requires intermediaries to provide retail clients with Product Disclosure Statements, with the rules taking effect upon registration in the Federal Register of Legislation.

The decision follows extensive industry consultation that revealed licensing costs could make stablecoin distribution commercially unviable. ASIC positions this as interim relief while awaiting comprehensive digital asset regulations from the government.