ASIC Licensing Deadline: Digital Asset Providers Must Act by September 30, 2026
Australian regulator ASIC is ending transitional relief for some digital asset service providers. Affected entities must apply for a license or amend an existing authorization by September 30, 2026.
The ASIC licensing deadline is approaching for companies providing digital asset-related financial services in Australia. On September 3, the regulator confirmed that entities relying on its transitional “no-action” position must submit an application for an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence, or apply to amend an existing license, no later than September 30, 2026.
From October 1, legal risk will increase for companies that need a license but do not meet the conditions for transitional relief. ASIC said they may be breaching financial laws. Possible consequences include civil and criminal penalties; fines may reach 10% of annual turnover.
Who the ASIC licensing deadline affects
The call is directed at businesses whose digital asset services fall under existing Australian financial services rules. In practice, this may include exchanges, custody firms, or intermediaries if their specific activities require the relevant authorization.
ASIC is not announcing a new specific enforcement action against named crypto firms. This is a final warning before the end of the transitional period during which the regulator applied its “no-action” position. It would therefore be inaccurate to describe the step as a blanket crackdown on crypto businesses.
Entities that need an Australian Market Licence or a license for a Clearing and Settlement facility instead of an AFS license face the same deadline. By September 30, they must inform ASIC in writing of their intention to apply and hold a preliminary meeting with the regulator.
More than 45 applications since October 2025
ASIC said it has recorded more than 45 applications for relevant licensing authorizations since updating INFO 225 in October 2025. The number does not indicate how many companies still need to act or how many applicants will ultimately obtain a license.
For affected providers, the September deadline is primarily an immediate obligation to meet regulatory requirements. If a company fails to complete the transition or does not obtain the necessary authorization, it has not yet been confirmed how many entities will have to restrict or end their services. For clients, the process may mean more regulated oversight, but for some services it may also bring possible changes or restrictions.
This is not yet the Digital Assets Framework regime
ASIC also distinguishes the current deadline from the separate Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Act 2026. This broader framework for digital assets will take effect on April 9, 2027.
The September deadline is therefore not the effective date of the new Digital Assets Framework regime. It concerns companies transitioning to compliance with existing licensing rules. At the same time, ASIC is preparing to implement the new framework, including operational standards and guidance for digital asset platforms and tokenized custody.
Through the end of September, it will be important to monitor the number of additional license applications and announcements from major providers. After October 1, it will also become clear whether the regulator publishes specific supervisory or enforcement proceedings against companies that lack the necessary authorizations.
Sources
- ASIC — Final call for firms to act before ASIC’s digital asset licensing deadline – Primarily confirms the September 30, 2026 deadline, companies’ obligations, possible penalties, more than 45 applications, and the DAF Act effective date.
- ASIC — ASIC's roadmap for digital assets law reform implementation – Confirms the plan to implement the new regime, ASIC’s role, and forthcoming standards for digital asset platforms and tokenized custody.
- Cointelegraph — Australia warns unlicensed crypto firms of fines up to 10% of annual turnover – Independently summarizes ASIC’s warning today and the transitional relief deadline.
Verified and updated: 09/03/2026 13:31
