Australia’s financial regulator has issued a final warning to digital asset businesses relying on transitional relief, giving them until September 30 to apply for the licences needed to continue operating within the country’s financial services laws.
In an official announcement published on September 2, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said firms that fail to meet the conditions of its sector-wide no-action position by the deadline risk breaching financial services law starting October 1.
The warning covers providers of digital asset-related financial products and services, as well as businesses that need an Australian Market Licence or a Clearing and Settlement facility licence.
Licensing push accelerates
ASIC stated that companies seeking an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence, or changes to an existing authorization, must take action before the September deadline. Businesses requiring market or clearing and settlement licences have also been told to notify ASIC in writing of their intention to apply and hold a pre-application meeting with the regulator by September 30.
In addition, ASIC said firms that do not meet the conditions of its transitional arrangement could face both civil and criminal penalties. Potential fines can reach as much as 10% of annual turnover. The regulator has already recorded more than 45 licence applications from businesses seeking relevant authorizations for digital asset-related financial services since it updated its guidance in October 2025.
Transitional relief nears its end
The current arrangement stems from ASIC’s decision to give the industry time to adjust to its updated interpretation of how existing financial services laws apply to digital assets.
ASIC had previously extended the no-action period from June 30 to September 30, 2026, giving digital asset businesses an additional three months to prepare for licensing. The extension was announced on June 27, 2026, as the regulator sought to support a smoother transition while maintaining oversight of the sector.
ASIC first consulted on transitional arrangements in December 2024. The resulting sector-wide no-action position was introduced alongside an updated version of Information Sheet 225, which outlines how existing laws apply to digital assets and related products and services.
In June 2026, ASIC expanded and clarified the scope and conditions of the arrangement while extending the deadline to September 30, citing challenges businesses faced while transitioning to the licensing regime.
The guidance applies broadly, covering established financial services and financial markets businesses, digital asset-focused companies, brokers, intermediaries, and professional advisers. It also includes businesses exploring blockchain technology for existing financial products and real-world assets, including tokenisation.
New digital asset rules ahead
The licensing deadline comes as Australia prepares for a broader overhaul of its digital asset regulatory framework. The Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Act 2026 passed Parliament on April 1 and received Royal Assent on April 8. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on April 9, 2027, following an 18-month implementation period.
ASIC has already published an implementation roadmap and plans to consult on standards and guidance, issue regulatory guides and continue working with the industry before the new framework begins.
The regulator said many existing authorizations will remain necessary even after the new regime comes into force. For digital asset businesses, the immediate focus is now the September 30 deadline, after which firms that have not met ASIC’s conditions could face enforcement risks as Australia moves toward its new digital asset regulatory framework.
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