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ARTICLE · 10 JULY 2026

Balancing Innovation And Oversight: Cryptocurrency Regulation In Australia

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Australia's cryptocurrency sector faces a new era of regulatory oversight as recent legislative reforms introduce comprehensive licensing requirements for digital asset platforms and strengthen anti-money laundering controls.

AustraliaFinance and Banking
Caroline Marshall
Caroline Marshall
Steven Rice
Steven Rice
Lindsey Cullen
Lindsey Cullen
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With the passage of new corporate licensing and anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws, cryptocurrency exchanges are facing increasing regulatory scrutiny in Australia. In April 2026, the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 (Bill) received royal assent, amending the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) to regulate digital asset platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges, and introducing two new categories of financial product that will capture digital assets. AML/CTF reforms have also expanded regulation of the cryptocurrency sector. 

This Insight discusses the current Australian regulatory framework in which cryptocurrency exchanges operate, and the enforcement risks that exchanges need to be aware of going forward. 

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