Australian Regulator Updates Guidance Classifying Digital Assets as Financial Products
ASIC clarifies that many digital assets are financial products and provides transitional relief to support innovation.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) on 29 October 2025 published updated guidance stating that stablecoins, wrapped tokens, tokenized securities and digital asset wallets can be financial products under existing law, and confirmed a sector‑wide no‑action position until 30 June 2026 to give firms time to seek licenses. ASIC invited feedback on draft relief instruments for stablecoin and wrapped token distributors and certain custodians, with submissions open until 12 November 2025.
ASIC says the guidance gives firms greater regulatory certainty while protecting consumers through licensing requirements, and will consider the no‑action position when assessing historical conduct but will continue to act against egregious harm; Commissioner Alan Kirkland says the clarity helps firms “innovate confidently in Australia.” Proposed relief is subject to consultation and the guidance will operate alongside planned government law reforms and applicable jurisdictional rules.
🧭 FAQs
• What did ASIC announce on Oct. 29, 2025 in Australia? ASIC updated guidance that many digital assets are financial products and set a no‑action position to June 30, 2026.
• Which digital assets does ASIC treat as financial products? ASIC lists stablecoins, wrapped tokens, tokenized securities, and digital asset wallets as examples.
• How long is the transitional no‑action position in Australia? The sector‑wide no‑action position runs until 30 June 2026.
• By when can stakeholders submit feedback on relief instruments? Feedback on the draft relief instruments is open until 12 November 2025.
