Australia warns unlicensed crypto firms of fines up to 10% of annual turnover

Australian crypto companies relying on temporary regulatory relief have until Sept. 30 to apply for a financial services license or risk penalties, including fines reaching 10% of their annual turnover. 

On Wednesday, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said businesses requiring an Australian Financial Services license must apply for one or seek changes to an existing license before the deadline. Firms requiring market or clearing and settlement licenses must also notify the regulator and hold a pre-application meeting. 

Starting Oct. 1, companies that require authorization but have not met the conditions of ASIC’s no-action position could be operating in breach of financial services law. The regulator said they may face civil and criminal penalties. 

The warning raises the stakes for crypto businesses that have not entered the country’s licensing process, as the regulator prepares to end temporary enforcement relief. ASIC said it recorded more than 45 digital asset-related license applications since it updated its guidance in October 2025. 

On June 25, ASIC extended the relief period from June 30 to Sept. 30 and expanded it to cover crypto businesses operating as authorized representatives of licensed firms or through certain intermediary arrangements. At the time, the regulator said it had received about 30 applications. 

The transition relief is separate from Australia’s Digital Asset Framework, which takes effect on April 9, 2027.

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