ASIC extends crypto licensing relief to Sep 30 2026

Australia's corporate regulator has extended a temporary enforcement relief period for digital asset businesses, giving them until September 30, 2026, to apply for required financial services licences. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) announced the extension on Friday, moving the deadline from June 30 and broadening the scope of eligible business models.

The "no-action" position means ASIC will not pursue enforcement against firms actively working to secure an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence, an Australian Market Licence, or clearing and settlement facility licences, provided they meet specific conditions. Firms must notify the regulator and attend a pre-application meeting to receive the temporary protection, which does not remove existing legal duties or consumer protection rules.

Significantly, ASIC expanded the relief to cover businesses operating through authorised representative agreements or other intermediary arrangements with licensed entities. This acknowledges common distribution models in the sector and allows more companies to continue operations while restructuring for compliance.

The relief stems from updated guidance ASIC...