ASIC Exempts Licenses in Stablecoin Distribution

3 mins mins

Key Points:

ASIC exempts licenses for stablecoin distribution, led by Chair Joe Longo.
Encourages innovation and competition in digital assets.
Use of omnibus trust accounts permitted for intermediaries.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has introduced exemptions allowing intermediaries to distribute stablecoins and wrapped tokens without additional licenses, aiming to foster digital asset sector growth.

This regulatory change reduces operational barriers, potentially boosting innovation in Australia’s digital finance space, while maintaining investor protections through stringent record-keeping and reserve standards.

ASIC’s New Policy Reduces Financial Burdens for Crypto Intermediaries

ASIC’s class order exemptions allow intermediaries to distribute stablecoins and wrapped tokens without needing additional licenses. Licensed entities can now engage more freely in these activities under specified record-keeping conditions. The measures are part of a broader effort to enhance innovation and competition in the digital asset market. The changes eliminate the need for a separate Australian Financial Services license, reducing financial burdens on companies.

Intermediaries can now utilize omnibus or aggregated trust accounts, easing the financial and administrative load. Prior to this, intermediaries faced costly licensing requirements. By removing these barriers, ASIC encourages more active participation in the digital marketplace and supports the seamless integration of stablecoins into Australia’s financial ecosystem.

Joe Longo, Chair, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), “We are providing interim regulatory relief to support innovation while maintaining investor protections. This decision allows licensed intermediaries to facilitate access to digital assets while ensuring appropriate oversight.” – ASIC Exemptions Instrument

While ASIC has made no direct social media announcements, industry insiders and platforms have noted the positive implications of these changes. Local cryptocurrency exchanges have highlighted enhanced operational capacity and a renewed focus on regulatory compliance.

Bitcoin Market Slips, Analysts Forecast Ripple Effects from ASIC’s Moves

Did you know? ASIC’s current exemption strategies echo policies from the EU’s MiCA, targeting stability and compliance in digital markets.

According to CoinMarketCap data, Bitcoin (BTC) currently prices at $90,231.81, holding a market cap of $1.80 trillion, reflecting a decline of 2.57% in 24 hours and 21.79% over 90 days. Trading volume reached approximately $70.43 billion, indicating substantial market activity, with circulation at 19.96 million of a 21 million max supply.

bitcoin-daily-chart-4945 — Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 06:32 UTC on December 11, 2025. *Source: CoinMarketCap*

Coincu research analysts highlight that ASIC’s decisions could lead to greater collaborative efforts and innovations within the tech sector. These policy changes might also signal increased institutional involvement due to enhanced regulatory clarity, potentially boosting the sector’s growth trajectory.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.