Australia Passes Digital Assets Framework Bill Into Law

Australia passes its first crypto law

Australia passed the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 into law in March and April 2026. The Senate approved the bill in mid-March 2026. The lower house passed it shortly after. The law brings crypto platforms under the same financial oversight that applies to traditional investment services in Australia.

Exchanges must obtain a financial licence

Under the new law, crypto exchanges and custody providers must hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). An AFSL is the standard operating licence required of financial service firms in Australia. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) — the national financial regulator — supervises compliance. Firms that operate without a licence face enforcement action from ASIC.

Two new regulated categories created

The law defines two new categories of regulated entity. The first is Digital Asset Platforms (DAPs) — crypto exchanges that manage client interests in digital assets. The second is Tokenised Custody Platforms (TCPs) — entities that issue tokens representing assets held in custody. Both categories require an AFSL to operate legally in Australia.

Compliance deadline set after royal assent

New platforms must comply within 12 months of the bill receiving royal assent — the formal approval that makes a bill law in Australia. One source reports that existing firms operating before the law passed may receive an 18-month transition window, though this figure has not been confirmed by a second independent source. The official bill text at the Australian Parliament House website provides the authoritative compliance timeline.