Australia’s ASIC cracks down on crypto platforms avoiding licensing rules

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-01-28Last updated on 2026-01-28

Abstract

Australia's financial regulator ASIC is intensifying efforts to close regulatory gaps in crypto and fintech sectors, targeting unlicensed AI-powered advice tools and digital asset platforms. In its Key Issues Outlook 2026, ASIC emphasized that inadequate oversight poses risks to financial stability and consumer protection. The regulator requires firms to implement strong controls and demonstrate operational accountability, moving beyond mere policy compliance. With crypto ownership rising to 32% among Australians by 2025 and over $750 billion flowing into retirement payouts, ASIC is prioritizing investor safety and market integrity. The transition from ASX's CHESS settlement system by mid-2026 further underscores the focus on resilient infrastructure. Australia is adopting a balanced regulatory approach, easing rules for approved stablecoins while cracking down on unlicensed operators.

As global crypto adoption moves away from hype and toward real institutional use, Australia’s main financial regulator is stepping in.

In its Key Issues Outlook 2026, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) warned that gaps in digital asset and fintech regulation pose a serious risk to financial stability.

For years, parts of the crypto and fintech industry have operated in loosely regulated areas. However, ASIC’s latest outlook makes it clear that this phase is ending.

ASIC filtering crypto’s grey area

Notably, ASIC is closely monitoring companies using AI and digital payments to avoid standard licensing rules. Specifically, unlicensed AI-powered advice tools and crypto platforms.

The regulator wants to close the gaps that these companies fit within, with the ultimate goal of stopping unlicensed advice and misleading practices.

Global regulatory differences have left Australian consumers less protected than users in regions like the EU.

So while ASIC acknowledges that such platforms can help users find better financial options, it also warns that they can cause harm, leading to losses without proper oversight.

Needless to say, ASIC’s response is firm.

Companies must show they have strong controls, and having an AI policy is not enough. Firms must be able to shut down systems that act against consumer interests.

Other concerns

Additionally, retirees are a key focus. Over the next decade, more than $750 billion will flow into retirement payouts, and poor guidance could leave retirees exposed to unsuitable investments.

At the same time, Australia’s market infrastructure faces pressure as the CHESS settlement system is phased out. A major outage in 2024 highlighted vulnerabilities, and ASIC has warned that further delays or failures could threaten market stability.

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) is expected to deliver the new system by mid-2026. This shows that 2026 is all about innovation, but with responsibility.

Launching products first and fixing problems later is no longer acceptable. Companies must show how their systems work and how consumers are protected.

Australia’s crypto adoption index and more

This comes as crypto adoption in Australia continues to rise, as per Statista’s recent survey. In 2025, around 32% of Australians owned digital assets, which is more than double the level seen six years earlier.

Globally, crypto regulation is also speeding up, especially after the U.S. passed the GENIUS Act, triggering stronger competition around stablecoins.

However, Australia is choosing a balanced approach.

Under the ASIC Corporations (Stablecoin Distribution Exemption) Instrument 2025/631, the regulator is easing licensing rules for approved stablecoins like AUDM, while tightening oversight on unlicensed players.

Thus, for the millions of Australians, now crypto is becoming part of the regulated financial system, and the window for operating outside the rules is closing quickly.

Final Thoughts

Australia is aligning domestic rules with global standards to avoid becoming a regulatory weak spot.
Crypto adoption is driving regulation, not the other way around, as ownership reaches mainstream levels.

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