Crypto regulation in Australia
This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify the current rules with a qualified local professional and the official regulator before acting.
Crypto is legal to own and trade in Australia as of May 2026. Exchanges must register with AUSTRAC, ASIC oversees financial services, and the Digital Assets Framework that received Royal Assent on 8 April 2026 will require digital asset platforms to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence from 9 April 2027. There is no ban on crypto.
The rules in detail
Crypto is legal to own and trade in Australia as of May 2026, and the regulatory picture is shaped by three authorities. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) oversees financial products and services. The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) administers anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing law. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers tax. There is no outright ban on crypto.
AUSTRAC registration
As of May 2026, any business providing digital currency exchange services in Australia must register with AUSTRAC and meet anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing obligations, including customer identification, record keeping, and reporting. AUSTRAC reforms are expanding the range of designated services that fall within these duties through 2026, bringing more digital asset businesses into scope.
The Digital Assets Framework
The Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 received Royal Assent on 8 April 2026 and is set to commence on 9 April 2027. It extends the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) regime to two new categories: digital asset platforms, where an operator holds or records client interests in digital tokens, and tokenised custody platforms, where an operator holds an underlying asset and issues a token that represents it. Operators of these platforms will need an AFSL from ASIC and will be subject to obligations on honest and fair dealing, conflicts management, adequate resources, asset segregation, and disclosure. Reported thresholds provide relief for smaller platforms below set holding and transaction limits, and a transition period applies for existing businesses. These dates and details are taken from the legislation as enacted, current to June 2026.
ASIC guidance in the meantime
ASIC has used guidance and time limited relief to manage the move to the new regime, including a sector wide no action position covering the period up to 30 June 2026. Existing financial services law, consumer protection law, and the AUSTRAC regime continue to apply during the transition. Some points of detail in the new framework are still being worked through, so confirm the current position before relying on it.
How to act legally in Australia
For individuals, acting legally is straightforward. Use an exchange registered with AUSTRAC, keep tax records, and watch for the stronger platform licensing that arrives with the new framework. Several AUSTRAC registered platforms serve Australian residents as of May 2026.
Compare exchanges available to Australia users
Platforms that operate for Australia residents include Coinbase, Kraken, Swyftx, CoinJar, Independent Reserve. See the registered options side by side, then verify the current position with the platform and the regulator before you sign up.
Compare available exchangesRegulator and sources
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) digital asset guidance, transitional relief, and the Digital Assets Framework commencing 9 April 2027.
- Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) registration and anti money laundering obligations for digital currency exchange providers, current to June 2026.
- Parliament of Australia Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025, Royal Assent 8 April 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who regulates crypto in Australia?
Three bodies. ASIC oversees financial products and services, AUSTRAC administers anti money laundering law and exchange registration, and the ATO administers tax. This division is current to June 2026.
Do crypto businesses need to register in Australia?
Yes. Digital currency exchange providers must register with AUSTRAC as of May 2026. From 9 April 2027, digital asset platforms will also need an Australian Financial Services Licence from ASIC under the new framework.
What is the Digital Assets Framework?
It is the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025, which received Royal Assent on 8 April 2026 and commences 9 April 2027. It brings digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms under ASIC licensing.
Is crypto banned in Australia?
No. Crypto is legal to own and trade in Australia as of May 2026. It is not legal tender, but there is no ban, and individuals can hold and trade through registered platforms.
Does the new framework affect individual users?
Mostly indirectly. The licensing duties fall on platforms, not on individuals. Users should see stronger protections as the framework phases in from 9 April 2027, but the core ability to hold and trade is unchanged.
Related pages
Risk and change note: crypto rules change frequently and can shift with little notice. The positions above carry an as of date and were last reviewed on June 21, 2026. Confirm the current rules with the named regulator and a qualified local professional before you act.
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