Australia
Australia is in the middle of its regulatory build. The 2024 AML/CTF reforms brought Travel Rule and stronger CDD into force from March 2026, and Treasury's Digital Asset Platforms Bill would finally place exchanges under the AFSL regime. Enforcement — particularly from ASIC — is already active while the licensing regime lands.
Developing
ASIC · AUSTRAC · Treasury
AUSTRAC DCE registration; Treasury proposals for a dedicated Digital Asset Platforms (DAP) regime under the AFSL framework (consultation closed Feb 2025).
AML/CTF Act 2006 + 2024 amendments extending obligations to Tranche 2 entities; Travel Rule effective March 2026.
Implemented — AUD 1,000 threshold; AUSTRAC Rules Instrument 2024 sets messaging standards.
ATO: CGT on disposals; income tax on staking, airdrops and mining; wrapped-token events clarified 2024.
ASIC INFO 225 guidance; product intervention powers used against high-leverage crypto CFDs.
Tranche 2 reforms — Travel Rule and stronger customer due-diligence.
Would bring exchanges and custodians under AFSL.
AFSL-based licensing for digital asset platforms; two-year transition proposed.
Retail derivatives mis-classification; AUD 44m maximum penalty sought.