ASIC gave crypto firms three more months to apply for licenses, but the Block Earner ruling and a 2027 framework mean the clock is still ticking.
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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission pushed back its crypto licensing deadline to September 30, 2026, giving firms three extra months to apply for financial services credentials. The extension replaces the previous June 30 cutoff and now covers authorized representatives and intermediary business models, ASIC said in a statement.
Roughly 30 digital currency businesses have submitted applications since ASIC updated Information Sheet 225 in October 2025. That guidance clarified how existing financial services laws apply to crypto assets. It specifies that many digital currency offerings meet the criteria for financial products under current legal frameworks.
The Block Earner court decision reinforced ASIC's position. The High Court ruled that Block Earner's crypto yield product was a financial product under the Corporations Act. That verdict backs ASIC's argument that certain digital asset services already fall within the existing regulatory framework.
ASIC warned that firms getting licenses now may need extra authorizations when Australia's Digital Asset Framework takes effect on April 9, 2027. That framework will bring digital asset platforms and tokenized custody services into the licensing system. Businesses obtaining licenses under the current guidance could face additional regulatory steps later.
The September deadline gives companies time to prepare full applications. The transitional relief does not remove legal obligations or consumer safeguards, ASIC said. The regulator expects affected businesses to use the extra time to advance toward full licensing conformity.
The Digital Asset Framework takes effect April 9, 2027.
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