Coinbase Plans Australia Expansion After Securing Afsl License

@coinbase is expanding its Australian operations after obtaining an Australian Financial Services License under the country's new Digital Assets Framework that passed Parliament on April 1. The law requires all crypto exchanges and custody providers to hold an AFSL, bringing them under the same regulatory standards as traditional financial services.

Coinbase APAC managing director John O'Loghlen called the framework an important step that holds digital asset exchanges to the same operating standards as other financial services providers. He urged the government to prioritize broader reforms including a stablecoin framework.

Australia's new regime creates two regulated categories for digital asset platforms and tokenized custody providers, with ASIC overseeing licensing and consumer protection. Firms have until June 30, 2026 to lodge applications under a no-action transition period. The market opportunity is estimated at A$24 billion annually.