Australia warns unlicensed crypto firms ahead of licensing deadline
ASIC crypto licensing deadline looms as Australia warns firms to apply by Sept. 30 Avoid penalties and keep operating by acting now on temporary relief requirements.
Australia’s markets regulator has warned crypto businesses operating under temporary relief that they must apply for the required licenses by Sept. 30 or face possible civil and criminal penalties.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission said firms that need an Australian Financial Services license should either submit an application or amend an existing one before the deadline. Companies that require market or clearing and settlement licenses must also notify the regulator and hold a preapplication meeting.
From Oct. 1, firms that still need authorization could be considered in breach of financial services law. ASIC said penalties could include fines equal to up to 10% of annual turnover. The regulator added that it has received more than 45 digital assetrelated license applications since updating its guidance in October 2025.
ASIC previously extended the relief period in June to give firms more time to comply. That temporary arrangement is separate from Australia’s Digital Asset Framework, which is scheduled to take effect in 2027.