Australia extends crypto licensing relief deadline to September 30

TLDR

• Australia’s ASIC extended the crypto licensing no-action relief to September 30.
• The deadline was pushed from June 30, giving firms more time to comply.
• The relief applies to AFS license applicants and market authorization seekers.
• ASIC expanded coverage to firms using authorized representatives or intermediaries.
• About 30 crypto license applications have been submitted since October 2025.

Australia’s financial regulator has extended its no-action relief for digital asset firms seeking licenses. The decision gives businesses more time to meet compliance requirements under updated guidance. The extension pushes the enforcement pause deadline to September 30.

Australia extends transition window for crypto licensing compliance

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission confirmed a three-month extension for crypto licensing applications. The relief period now runs until September 30 instead of June 30.

The extension applies to firms seeking an Australian Financial Services license under existing financial laws. It also covers entities requiring market or clearing and settlement authorizations.

ASIC expanded the scope of relief to include firms operating through authorized representatives. It also includes businesses working through intermediary arrangements with licensed entities.

The regulator stated that about 30 applications have been submitted since October 2025. This follows the update of its Information Sheet 225 guidance on digital assets.

ASIC said many digital asset products fall under existing financial product definitions. Therefore, several providers must obtain licenses under current regulations.

The regulator based its position on technology-neutral definitions within Australia’s financial laws. These definitions allow digital assets to fit within existing regulatory frameworks.

Updated guidance and court ruling reinforce regulatory approach

ASIC introduced the no-action position after updating its INFO 225 guidance in October 2025. The update clarified how financial services laws apply to digital asset activities.

The regulator stated that its interpretation aligns with existing legislation. It also ensures consistency across traditional and digital financial products.

The High Court recently supported ASIC’s position in the Block Earner case. The ruling found the company’s crypto yield product qualified as a financial product.

ASIC said the decision reinforces its approach to regulating digital assets. It confirms that existing laws can apply to crypto-related services.

The temporary relief remains separate from Australia’s Digital Asset Framework, passed in April. That framework will take effect on April 9, 2027.

The new law will bring digital asset platforms under the financial services licensing regime. It will also apply to tokenized custody platform operators.

ASIC warned that current applicants may need further approvals under the new framework. The regulator stated that additional authorizations will apply once the regime begins.

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