ASIC Gives Crypto Firms September 30 License Deadline

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a final warning to crypto businesses relying on temporary enforcement relief. The deadline for qualifying firms to apply for required financial licenses is September 30. Firms operating without authorization from October 1 may face civil and criminal penalties, with potential fines reaching up to 10% of annual turnover.

Since updating its guidance in October 2025, ASIC has recorded more than 45 digital asset-related license applications. The regulator's warning applies to businesses providing digital asset products or services that qualify as financial products under existing law.

The deadline covers several license routes, including Australian Financial Services (AFS) licenses, market licenses, and clearing and settlement facility licenses. Firms must assess the rights attached to each product rather than relying on its technical description. The regulator's temporary relief ends on October 1, and companies that cannot meet the conditions may need to stop providing affected services.