Australian Crypto Firms Face Sept. 30 Deadline for Licensing Applications

Australian crypto companies relying on temporary regulatory relief have until Sept. 30 to apply for a financial services license or risk penalties, including fines of up to 10% of annual turnover. On Wednesday, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission said businesses that need an Australian Financial Services license must apply for one or seek changes to an existing license before the deadline. Firms that require market or clearing and settlement licenses must also notify the regulator and hold a pre-application meeting. According to Cointelegraph, companies that need authorization but do not meet the conditions of ASIC’s no-action position could be operating in breach of financial services law starting Oct. 1, and may face civil and criminal penalties. The warning increases pressure on crypto businesses that have not yet entered the country’s licensing process as ASIC prepares to end temporary enforcement relief. The regulator said it has recorded more than 45 digital asset-related license applications since it updated its guidance in October 2025. On June 25, ASIC extended the relief period from June 30 to Sept. 30 and broadened it to include crypto businesses operating as authorized representatives of licensed firms or through certain intermediary arrangements. At that time, the regulator said it had received about 30 applications. The transition relief is separate from Australia’s Digital Asset Framework, which takes effect on April 9, 2027.