Australia Backs Digital Assets Framework Bill in Senate
Australia's Senate Economics Legislation Committee recommended the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets) Bill 2025 be passed on 16 March 2026. The bill requires crypto service providers to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
Senate committee backs digital assets bill
Australia's Senate Economics Legislation Committee recommended the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 be passed on 16 March 2026. The bill brings crypto asset service providers under existing Australian financial law. Providers must obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL), a mandatory authorisation issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
"an important step for Australia's standing in the global digital economy", 16 March 2026. — John O'Loghlen, APAC Managing Director, Coinbase Australia
Bill introduced in November 2025
Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino introduced the bill in the Australian Parliament on 26 November 2025. The Senate referred it to the Economics Legislation Committee on 5 February 2026. The committee recommended the bill be passed on 16 March 2026.
Small providers exempt below AUD 10 million
The bill includes a low-value exemption for providers with annual transaction volumes below AUD 10 million (approximately USD 7 million). Providers above that threshold must apply for an AFSL to operate legally in Australia.
Existing licence framework covers digital assets
The bill amends the Corporations Act to classify certain digital asset services under existing financial services regulation. Australia does not create a separate crypto-specific licence. Providers must determine whether their digital asset activities require AFSL authorisation under the amended framework.
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