Crypto and Blockchain Lawyers Australia
Summary
Astris Law advises Australian cryptocurrency exchanges, token projects and blockchain ventures on AFSL licensing for crypto products, token offering structuring, AUSTRAC AML/CTF compliance, smart contract legal frameworks, DAO governance and digital asset regulation under the Corporations Act 2001.
Legal Services for Crypto & Blockchain in Australia
The crypto and blockchain space is a high-volatility environment where the legal framework is often forced to react to technological change. Structuring a token offering or a platform is only half the challenge for innovators; the business also has to withstand the shifting scrutiny of regulators. We apply our generalist lens to this sector to see the patterns that narrow specialists often miss, focusing on the long-term survival of the entity.
We manage the friction between decentralised innovation and the rigid expectations of ASIC and AUSTRAC by focusing on procedural integrity. While the technology is new, the underlying principles of financial regulation - licensing, disclosure and anti-money laundering - remain the primary risks. We advise on token structuring and operational compliance so that the business's core arrangements meet the evolving standards of Australian law.
Astris Law provides tailored legal advice for crypto & blockchain businesses across Australia. We understand the unique regulatory challenges, commercial pressures and risk profile of your industry, and we deliver practical, commercially focused legal solutions.
ASIC compliance for digital asset businesses in 2026
The regulatory ground has shifted under Australian crypto businesses. ASIC's updated Information Sheet 225 guidance makes clear that many widely offered digital assets and arrangements (staking products, tokenised assets, wrapped tokens and stablecoins among them) can be financial products under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), which means AFSL licensing, disclosure and design and distribution obligations apply. At the same time, Treasury's digital asset platform reforms would bring exchanges and custody providers holding client assets into the financial services licensing perimeter in their own right, with minimum standards for holding tokens, transaction handling and custody.
The practical consequence for 2026 is that "we're not a financial product" is no longer a position you can assume; it is a position you have to be able to defend, token by token and feature by feature. We review token rights and platform features against ASIC's current guidance, advise on whether an AFSL (or authorised representative arrangement) is required and help structure products so the classification question is answered before ASIC asks it.
AML/CTF reporting requirements for crypto businesses
Australia's AML/CTF regime was rewritten by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (Cth), with the reformed obligations commencing from 31 March 2026. The old "digital currency exchange" category has been replaced by a broader virtual asset service provider framework: exchanges between virtual assets and fiat, exchanges between virtual assets, transfers, custody and participation in token sales are all designated services requiring AUSTRAC enrolment and registration.
Operationally, that means a risk-based AML/CTF program built around the new obligations, customer due diligence before providing a designated service, transaction monitoring, suspicious matter and threshold transaction reports and compliance with the travel rule for value transfers. AUSTRAC has been explicit that crypto is an enforcement priority, and registration gaps or program deficiencies are the fastest way to invite attention. We build and remediate AML/CTF programs, manage AUSTRAC registration and act in enforcement matters.
How We Can Help
Key Challenges We Address
Key Legislation & Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cryptocurrency regulated in Australia?
Yes, cryptocurrency is regulated in Australia. Digital currency exchanges must register with AUSTRAC and comply with AML/CTF obligations. Crypto assets that qualify as financial products are regulated by ASIC under the Corporations Act 2001. Token offerings may constitute unregistered securities, and crypto businesses may need an AFSL depending on the services they provide.
Do I need an AFSL to operate a crypto exchange or token project in Australia?
If your crypto exchange or token project involves dealing in financial products (including certain crypto assets classified as securities, derivatives or managed investment scheme interests), you will likely need an AFSL from ASIC. The classification depends on the rights and features attached to the token or asset.
What AML/CTF obligations apply to crypto businesses in Australia?
Digital currency exchange providers in Australia must register with AUSTRAC, implement an AML/CTF program, conduct customer identification and verification, monitor transactions for suspicious activity and lodge suspicious matter reports and threshold transaction reports as required.
What changed for crypto businesses under the 2026 AML/CTF reforms?
The AML/CTF Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) reforms commenced from 31 March 2026 and replaced the old digital currency exchange category with a broader virtual asset service provider framework. Exchanges between virtual assets and fiat, crypto-to-crypto exchanges, transfers, custody and participation in token sales are now designated services requiring AUSTRAC registration, a compliant AML/CTF program, customer due diligence and travel rule compliance for value transfers.
Will digital asset platforms need a licence in Australia?
That is the direction of travel. Treasury's digital asset platform reforms would require platforms that hold client crypto assets above threshold levels to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence and meet minimum standards for custody and transactions. Separately, ASIC's updated INFO 225 guidance means many token arrangements are already financial products requiring an AFSL today. Crypto businesses should structure now for a licensed environment rather than waiting for commencement dates.
Digital Assets Law in Australia: The Regulatory Map
The same token can sit inside several regimes at once: financial services licensing, anti-money laundering and tax. Our hub maps which regimes touch what you do.
Need a lawyer who understands crypto & blockchain? Talk to Astris Law.
We work directly with directors in crypto & blockchain across Australia. No layers, no committees. One lawyer who understands both the law and your industry.