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Country guide · Asia-Pacific

🇦🇺 Financial licensing in Australia

APRA (ADIs), ASIC (financial services licences) and AUSTRAC (AML/CTF and digital currency exchange registration).

Deposit-taking requires authorisation as an authorised deposit-taking institution by APRA. Many financial services require an Australian Financial Services Licence from ASIC. Digital currency exchanges register with AUSTRAC; payments regulation is being reformed.

Regulators

  • AUSTRAC (AUSTRAC)

    AML/CTF and digital currency exchange registration

    Official website

  • Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)

    AFS and credit licences

    Official website

  • Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)

    ADI authorisation

    Official website

Licence and authorisation types

Virtual asset service provider (VASP)

AUSTRAC digital currency exchange registration

Regulator
AUSTRAC (AUSTRAC)
Permitted activities
Exchange between digital currency and money.
Minimum capital
No prudential capital under registration.
Ownership, management & substance
Australian registration.
Application procedure
Register with AUSTRAC; AFSL may additionally be required for financial products.
Government fees
Verification required
Indicative timeline
No reliable published estimate
Limitations
Digital asset platform licensing reform in progress.
Legal basis
AML/CTF Act 2006

Banking licence

Authorised deposit-taking institution

Regulator
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)
Permitted activities
Banking business including deposit-taking.
Minimum capital
Verification required — APRA restricted ADI pathway exists.
Ownership, management & substance
Australian presence.
Application procedure
Application to APRA.
Government fees
Verification required
Indicative timeline
No reliable published estimate
Limitations
—
Legal basis
Banking Act 1959