Australia to Mandate Financial Services Licenses for Crypto Firms

As a seasoned researcher with a keen interest in the ever-evolving world of finance and technology, I find myself intrigued by Australia’s latest move towards stricter crypto regulations. Having witnessed the meteoric rise and fall of various digital assets over the years, it is clear that these markets require robust oversight to protect investors and maintain market integrity.


Australian authorities are working on developing fresh rules for cryptocurrency trading platforms operating within their jurisdiction. This new legislation aims to enforce financial service licenses upon all such companies, which is part of the nation’s strategy to closely monitor and regulate the rapidly expanding digital assets market.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has expressed concerns about whether the existing regulatory framework is equipped to manage the intricacies of well-known cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether. These worries were shared by Commissioner Alan Kirkland during the AFR Crypto and Digital Assets Summit in Sydney on September 23, 2024.

The commissioner states that several cryptocurrencies currently being exchanged are considered financial instruments. As a result, they fall under the jurisdiction of the current Corporations Act. To ensure clarity and adherence, it’s essential to establish clear guidelines and enforce them accordingly.

Consequently, crypto exchanges operating in Australia will need to acquire financial services licenses in order to keep functioning, as stated in a report from The Australian Financial Review (AFR). In simpler terms, this means that these platforms must meet certain regulatory standards to legally continue their operations.

Kirkland pointed out that the new rules aim to align crypto exchanges with the conventional financial industry standards. Notably, as many cryptocurrencies are indeed financial instruments, these digital exchange platforms should secure similar licenses to those held by established financial institutions.

For ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), this action aims to keep companies accountable by requiring them to adhere to set guidelines regarding transparency, safeguarding consumers, and preventing money laundering activities.

Crypto Exchange Regulation Targets Digital Asset Market by November 2024

According to the ASIC, they plan to publish revised rules concerning crypto tokens and products under the Corporations Act by November 2024. These new regulations should clarify how these digital assets will be viewed legally. The updates are anticipated to offer increased regulatory certainty for those working within the industry.

From my perspective as a researcher, the revised legal framework could significantly affect numerous cryptocurrency businesses functioning within Australian territories. Consequently, these entities might need to adapt swiftly to avoid potential penalties.

Significantly, Australia’s latest action seems to align with a rising pattern worldwide. Regulatory bodies globally have been intensifying their efforts to control potential abuses in the cryptocurrency sector. Thus, Australia now finds itself among countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, tightening their regulatory hold on their respective crypto markets.

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2024-09-23 13:26