ASIC Crypto License Applications Surge Past 45 as Deadline Approaches
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced that it has received over 45 applications for digital-asset services, exceeding its previous count of approximately 30. The increase is attributed to a recent extension of transitional licensing relief by the regulator.
Businesses relying on ASIC's no-action position have until September 30 to apply for or vary an Australian financial services license. Those that fail to meet the conditions risk facing civil and criminal penalties, with fines reaching up to 10% of annual turnover.
The applications follow ASIC's rewrite of Information Sheet 225 in October 2025, which explains how existing financial-services law can apply to various digital assets, including stablecoins, wrapped tokens, and tokenized securities. The current licensing exercise applies under existing law before Australia's dedicated digital-asset framework starts.