ASIC Introduces Temporary Exemptions for Stablecoin Resale
Australia’s corporate regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), has introduced temporary exemptions from financial licensing for companies reselling stablecoins. This move aims to reduce regulatory hurdles in the digital asset sector while broader reforms are developed.
On Wednesday, ASIC released the Corporations (Stablecoin Distribution Exemption) Instrument 2025/631. The new rules allow intermediaries distributing stablecoins issued by holders of an Australian financial services (AFS) license to avoid obtaining their own AFS, market, or clearing and settlement facility licenses.
“ASIC is committed to supporting responsible innovation in the rapidly evolving digital assets space, while ensuring important consumer protections are in place by having eligible stablecoins issued under an AFS license,” the agency said in its announcement.
The exemptions are temporary and will remain in effect until June 1, 2028. They apply to stablecoins considered financial products under the Corporations Act and issued by qualified AFS licensees.
Currently, the relief covers only the AUDM stablecoin from Catena Digital Pty Ltd., Australia’s first licensed issuer of such tokens. ASIC may extend the exemptions as more issuers obtain AFS licenses.
Covered activities include offering general advice, acting as market makers, dealing in stablecoins (without issuing them), and providing custodial services. ASIC introduced these exemptions following industry feedback about high compliance costs during the transition to updated crypto regulations. This feedback was gathered during a December 2024 consultation paper.
Banking Limits Challenge Australian Crypto Users
Australian crypto users face banking restrictions as banks limit deposits to exchanges. This occurs despite new rules like anti-money laundering laws from 2018 and approvals for Bitcoin and Ether trading in 2024.
A recent Binance survey of 1,900 Australians found 58% want easier fund transfers. Additionally, 22% switched banks to improve crypto access.
Australia’s Pension System Opens to Crypto Investments
On September 2, 2025, Australia’s $2.8 trillion pension system began allowing crypto investments. Exchanges like Coinbase and OKX now offer products to direct retirement savings into digital assets.
This development creates a new investment avenue within Australia’s retirement system, which officially became a crypto investment hub on September 1, 2025.
