Australia gives crypto firms Sept. 30 licence deadline

Australia’s financial regulator issued a final warning on Sept. 2 to crypto businesses relying on temporary enforcement relief. Summary September 30 is ASIC’s deadline for qualifying crypto firms to apply for required financial licences. Unlicensed firms operating outside ASIC’s relief conditions may face civil and criminal penalties from October. Potential fines can reach 10% of annual turnover for businesses breaching Australian financial services law. ASIC recorded more than 45 digital asset licence applications after updating its guidance in 2025. Australia’s new Digital Assets Framework begins April 9, 2027, following an eighteen month implementation period. Qualifying firms have until Sept. 30 to apply for the licences required under existing financial services law. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission said firms operating without authorization from Oct. 1 could face civil and criminal penalties. Potential fines may reach 10% of annual turnover. ASIC has recorded more than 45 digital asset-related licence applications since it updated its guidance in October 2025. The figure rose from approximately 30 applications reported when the regulator extended its origi...