Australia’s ASIC Expands Crypto Oversight with 18 New Cases in INFO 225
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has just rolled out an updated version of Info Sheet 225.
Quick overview
- ASIC has updated Info Sheet 225, changing the terminology from 'crypto-assets' to 'digital assets', which now includes stable coins and tokenized securities.
- Offshore and decentralized platforms serving Australian customers must comply with the same regulations as local companies, emphasizing the need for an Australian Financial Services license for many digital-asset products.
- The updated guidance highlights the importance of custody and asset protection, requiring custodial service providers to maintain higher capital levels.
- Businesses are encouraged to prepare for upcoming regulatory changes by reviewing their product structures and engaging with ASIC to ensure compliance.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has just rolled out an updated version of Info Sheet 225. And not surprisingly its got a significant impact on how our existing laws around financial services apply to all sorts of digital assets. Gone is the older term “crypto-assets”, we’re now talking “digital assets” – and that’s a big deal because it now includes things like stable coins, staking programs , and even tokenised securities. all under the one roof.
The upshot of all this is that ASIC is making it clear that offshore and decentralised platforms that are serving customers here in Australia will have to abide by the same rules as companies that launch from within the country. Although this guidance doesn’t create new legislation, it arrives ahead of the government’s upcoming “Digital Asset Platforms and Payment Service Providers” bills, which are set to introduce licensing frameworks for exchanges, custodians, and stablecoin issuers.
Licensing, Custody, and Offshore Compliance
ASIC’s refreshed guidance makes clear that many digital-asset products, including yield-bearing tokens and asset-backed stablecoins, could be considered financial products under existing law, requiring an Australian Financial Services (AFS) license.
⚡️ Australia Expands Crypto Regs to Stablecoins
ASIC updates guidance: stablecoins, staking, tokenized assets now under financial laws; applies to offshore/decentralized platforms serving Aussies. No-action relief till June 2026; feedback due Nov 12. 🚨 #Crypto #Regulation
— HstockORG (@HstockORG) October 29, 2025
Key points from the regulator’s update include:
- Entities must evaluate whether their products qualify as managed investment schemes, derivatives, or non-cash payment facilities.
- Custodial service providers may need to maintain higher minimum capital levels, estimated at around A$10 million.
- Offshore platforms cannot bypass Australian rules simply by operating from another jurisdiction if they cater to local users.
The expanded focus on custody reflects ASIC’s growing concern over asset protection and transparency, ensuring that investor funds are held securely and audited under regulated standards.
Preparing for a New Regulatory Era
While Info Sheet 225 doesn’t change the law, it serves as a practical guide for digital-asset service providers to align with future compliance requirements. ASIC has hinted at possible transitional relief — a “no-action” stance for entities that apply for or amend their AFS licenses in good faith during the adjustment period.
The updated paper now includes 18 worked examples — up from 13 previously — covering a broader mix of token categories, from gaming NFTs and staking platforms to wrapped assets and tokenized debt instruments.
What It Means for the Industry
For businesses though the message is pretty clear : get prepared, and get prepared early. Have a good look at your product structures, tighten up your custody procedures and make a point of having a conversation with ASIC about all this. The reason is simple : Australia is starting to gear up for a more streamlined and globally comparable system for dealing with digital assets – a system that balances innovation with some much-needed accountability.
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