The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has
introduced licensing exemptions for intermediaries distributing stablecoins
issued by licensed entities.
The relief is temporary and will expire on June 1, 2028,
unless repealed earlier. ASIC said it is intended as a bridge until a broader
licensing framework for payment stablecoins is implemented.
Scope of the Exemption
Under the ASIC Corporations Stablecoin Distribution
Exemption Instrument, intermediaries distributing stablecoins issued by an
Australian financial services licensee no longer need to hold their own AFS,
market, or clearing and settlement facility licenses.
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ASIC said the exemption only applies to stablecoins
classified as financial products under the Corporations Act and issued by
eligible AFS licensees.
You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: “ANZ
Betrayed the Trust of Australians”, Faces $161 Million Fine for Misconduct.
Currently, the relief applies to a single issuer, Catena
Digital Pty, which issues the AUDM stablecoin. ASIC noted the exemption could
expand as more stablecoin issuers obtain AFS licenses.
🚨 BREAKING: 🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA’S ASIC RELAXES RULES FOR STABLECOIN PLAYERS.REGULATION ON THE WAY 🚀 pic.twitter.com/YSW8VEzFhC
— Crypto Ape (@TheMoneyApe) September 18, 2025
Covered Services
The measure covers services related to secondary
distribution, including providing general advice, making a market, dealing in
the stablecoin, and custodial services.
ASIC introduced the exemption following feedback on a
consultation paper. Stakeholders had raised concerns about compliance costs
under existing licensing rules during a transitional period.
Global Regulators Increase Focus on Stablecoins and
Digital Assets
Recent global developments show regulators
are increasingly focused on stablecoins and digital assets. Earlier, ASIC
has urged crypto firms to apply for an Australian Financial Services Licence
and updated guidance on compliance.
The European Union implemented the Markets in Crypto-Assets
Regulation for asset-referenced and e-money tokens, while the U.S.
passed legislation allowing banks and financial institutions to issue
stablecoins backed by fiat or high-quality collateral.
This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.
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