Australia's Proposed Crypto Regulation Includes $16.5M Penalties for Breaches

Core Viewpoint - Australia's newly proposed crypto regulation aims to impose fines of up to $16.5 million on digital asset platforms that fail to comply, introducing two new financial product categories: digital asset platforms and tokenized custody platforms [1][2]. Regulatory Framework - Providers will be required to obtain an Australian financial services license and demonstrate operations that are "efficiently, honestly and fairly" [2]. - The regulations will enforce a ban on misleading conduct and unfair contracts, while mandating stronger transparency for consumers [2]. Compliance and Exemptions - Non-compliant platforms could face fines of up to $16.5 million or 10% of annual turnover [2][6]. - Smaller operators will be exempt if they hold less than $5,000 per customer or process under $10 million in transactions annually, mirroring exemptions for traditional financial products [3]. Government Intentions - The proposed regime is designed to eliminate bad actors while supporting legitimate businesses, aiming to provide certainty for businesses and confidence for consumers [3]. - The exposure draft is open for consultation until 24 October, after which the government will refine the bill [4]. Industry Reaction - The move has been broadly welcomed by exchanges and blockchain firms, with Coinbase's Asia-Pacific managing director calling the bill a "meaningful step" that could enhance trust and growth [4][6]. - Many Jiang of CloudTech Group described the proposal as a "defining" moment for the sector, suggesting that mainstream adoption and institutional investment would accelerate under a clearer regulatory framework [7].