The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has formally named cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence and payment systems as critical regulatory risks. In its 2026 Corporate Plan, released on January 27, 2025, the commission shifts attention away from simple price movements and towards underlying structural vulnerabilities. As a result, ASIC says it will increase scrutiny of unlicensed operations and misleading marketing that exploit gaps in existing rules.
ASIC's 2026 Regulatory Focus
ASIC’s Corporate Plan highlights three priority areas: digital assets, AI-driven services and modern payment systems. The regulator frames these as sources of systemic or structural risk rather than issues limited to market volatility, and it signals a more proactive stance that prioritises early intervention. ASIC has also indicated it will target services operating outside licensing and disclosure frameworks, with a particular focus on misleading promotions.
Historical Regulatory Context
Australia’s work on digital-asset oversight has been gradual and cumulative. The regulatory journey began with a 2017 Senate inquiry into blockchain technology, followed by amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act in 2018, and a comprehensive token mapping exercise by Treasury in 2023.
These steps show a pattern of incremental policy development: lawmakers and agencies have built on earlier reviews and mapping exercises to clarify which activities need oversight. For a concise summary of the expected legal changes and how they fit together, see the crypto regulation 2026 overview.
Structural Risks vs Market Volatility
ASIC stresses the difference between transient price swings and deeper structural weaknesses that can spread through the financial system. This distinction explains the regulator’s emphasis on licensing, disclosure and operational resilience rather than only monitoring asset prices. The commission’s position aligns with international signals such as the Financial Stability Board’s 2023 warnings and IOSCO’s late-2024 recommendations.
As Dr. Sarah Johnson of the University of Melbourne puts it, “The fundamental challenge involves balancing innovation with consumer protection.” Her observation highlights why regulators aim for flexible rules that address real risks without blocking useful technological development.
International Regulatory Coordination
ASIC’s plan reflects international engagement: the EU AI Act became fully applicable in 2025 and the FATF updated its virtual-asset guidance in 2024, emphasising the travel rule for transfers. Australia participates in global standard-setting bodies, and ASIC has worked with peers on IOSCO guidance, which helps align domestic measures with overseas benchmarks.
For context on parallel consultations abroad, including approaches taken by other authorities, see the UK consultation on crypto regulation. Cross-border standards and rules such as the FATF travel rule can affect how platforms handle customer information and transfers.
Implementation Timeline
ASIC describes a graduated program that begins with education and guidance and can escalate to enforcement where necessary. The plan signals that initial guidance will be issued in Q2 2025, with a transition to enforcement activity by Q1 2026, giving firms time to adapt their compliance arrangements. Throughout this period ASIC expects to clarify licensing boundaries and disclosure expectations for market participants.
Why this matters
If you operate mining equipment in Russia—whether one machine or up to a thousand—these developments are relevant mainly if you rely on platforms or services that interact with Australian customers or aim to list services in Australia. ASIC’s focus on licensing and misleading advertising increases regulatory pressure on platforms that target Australian users, regardless of where they are based.
International rules, such as the FATF’s 2024 travel-rule guidance, also influence how exchanges and custodians handle transaction data and user onboarding. That can change which platforms accept international customers and what information they collect when you move or sell coins.
What to do?
- Verify platform credentials: if you use an Australian-facing service, check whether it holds an Australian Financial Services licence and publishes clear disclosures.
- Review marketing claims carefully: be sceptical of guaranteed-return promotions and require transparent terms before transferring funds or coins.
- Prepare for data requirements: expect platforms to collect and share more originator/beneficiary information under travel-rule-style rules if you transact cross-border.
- Keep records: maintain clear logs of transfers and counterparty details to simplify compliance responses and dispute resolution.
FAQ
What actions will ASIC take against unlicensed crypto operations? ASIC plans to increase surveillance of digital-asset platforms, issue guidance on licensing requirements, and take enforcement action against entities operating without proper authorisation. The commission prioritises platforms that target Australian consumers.
How does Australia’s approach compare internationally? Australia’s path has combined targeted protections and engagement with international bodies; ASIC’s stance aligns with FSB warnings and IOSCO recommendations while drawing on frameworks such as the EU AI Act.
What should crypto users do in response? Users should verify that platforms hold appropriate licences, read risk disclosures carefully, and treat promotional materials with caution. ASIC’s public guidance is intended to help investors and consumers evaluate services.
Will ASIC’s AI focus affect automated financial services? ASIC highlights AI-specific risks and indicates that rules distinguishing by risk level—similar to the EU approach—will inform future guidance. Providers using AI will need to review governance, testing and documentation practices.
How will these measures affect markets? Clearer rules and enforcement can reduce legal uncertainty and support legitimate operators, although increased compliance requirements may raise costs for some providers. The stated aim is a more transparent and resilient market.
