Crypto platform Coinbase Australia receives Australian Financial Services License from ASIC
Global crypto platform Coinbase today announced that its Australian subsidiary, Coinbase Australia Pty Ltd, has been granted an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) with a retail derivatives authorisation – making Coinbase the first crypto exchange to receive this landmark approval directly from ASIC.
The AFSL – granted ahead of incoming legislation that will require digital asset exchanges to hold one – provides Coinbase with the regulatory foundation to bring its Everything Exchange to Australia. Coinbase will initially launch crypto and equity perpetuals in the Australian market, followed by futures and options, with plans to expand into stock trading, payments, and other traditional financial products – all delivered with the speed and execution of crypto from a single app.
“Today’s announcement reflects years of investment in Australia and our commitment to operating at the highest standards of consumer protection and regulatory compliance,” said John O’Loghlen, Regional Managing Director APAC, Coinbase. “With this licence, we can bring the first products of the Everything Exchange to Australian customers, crypto and equity perpetuals. And we have plans to soon be competing with traditional financial services on products like stock trading, foreign exchange, and structured products, all with the speed and transparency that crypto-native infrastructure enables.”
A deep commitment to the Australian market
Australia has been a priority market for Coinbase since the company first serviced Australian customers in 2016. Recognising the country’s early and enthusiastic adoption of digital currencies, Coinbase incorporated Coinbase Australia Pty Ltd as a local entity in 2022, registered with AUSTRAC, and launched a dedicated local platform featuring PayID support, Retail Advanced Trading, and 24/7 customer support.
Coinbase has also invested in the broader Australian digital economy ecosystem – partnering with RMIT’s Blockchain Innovation Hub on Web3 research, joining the Digital Economy Council of Australia, and engaging actively with policymakers on the development of sensible crypto regulation. The company has recently expanded its local team with senior hires across legal, compliance, marketing, and operations, drawing from deeply experienced professionals in highly regulated industries.
The AFSL subjects Coinbase Australia to the same standards of conduct, disclosure, governance, and consumer protection that apply to traditional financial services providers. Coinbase Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Adam Judd, will serve as an AFSL Responsible Manager.
Supporting Australia’s Regulatory leadership
The licence comes at a pivotal moment for Australia’s digital asset regulatory landscape. The Corporations Amendment (Digital Asset Platforms) Bill 2025 will bring crypto platforms under the financial services licensing regime, and we are ahead of that curve in getting this licence to offer perpetuals.
“We have long believed that thoughtful regulation is good for customers, good for the industry, and good for Australia’s ambition to be a leading digital economy in the Asia-Pacific region,” said O’Loghlen. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside ASIC and Treasury to help shape a regulatory environment that protects consumers, fosters innovation, and positions Australia for leadership in the global digital economy.”
