Coinbase gets ASIC licence, flags Australian expansion
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The news: Crypto exchange Coinbase’s Australian subsidiary has secured an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) from corporate regulator ASIC.
Coinbase also said it is the first crypto exchange to receive retail derivatives authorisation directly from ASIC.
The context: The AFSL has been awarded ahead of new legislation, passed on 1 April 2026, that will mandate crypto exchange and wallet providers hold the licence.
Coinbase said it will initially offer crypto and equity perpetuals in the Australian market followed by futures and options. The company also plans to introduce stock trading, payments and other financial products.
Coinbase first serviced Australian customers in 2016. Its local subsidiary was incorporated in 2022 and is registered with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulator AUSTRAC.
The company said it recently expanded its local team with senior hires across legal, compliance, marketing and operational functions.
A Crypto.com spokesperson told Capital Brief they hold two AFSLs as a business and had derivatives trading capability since 2024, but this was obtained through the acquisition of Fintek Securities rather than from ASIC directly.
What they said: “Today’s announcement reflects years of investment in Australia and our commitment to operating at the highest standards of consumer protection and regulatory compliance,” Coinbase regional managing director APAC John O’Loghlen said.
“With this licence, we can bring the first products of the Everything Exchange to Australian customers, crypto and equity perpetuals.
“And we have plans to soon be competing with traditional financial services on products like stock trading, foreign exchange, and structured products, all with the speed and transparency that crypto-native infrastructure enables.”
The source: Coinbase media release
