Core Insights - Australia's securities regulator, ASIC, has introduced new licensing and custody exemptions for certain stablecoins and wrapped tokens to promote innovation in the digital assets sector [1][2] - The recent measures build on previous class relief granted in September, allowing stablecoin intermediaries to operate without separate licensing [2][3] Regulatory Changes - ASIC has allowed providers to hold digital assets classified as financial products in omnibus accounts, contingent on proper record-keeping and reconciliation [2] - The updated digital asset guidance (INFO 225) published in October indicated a no-action position until June 30, 2026, for firms seeking licenses [2][3] Industry Feedback - Industry submissions supported the use of omnibus account structures for digital asset custody due to operational efficiencies, although there were calls for clearer record-keeping rules [4] - The guidance specifies that eligible stablecoins must maintain reserves equal to or greater than the total underlying currency amount, with unconditional redemption rights for holders [4] Reporting Requirements - Stablecoin issuers are mandated to publish quarterly reserve reports after four months and annual audited reports after 16 months to confirm reserves are cash or cash equivalents [5] Industry Perspective - The relief measures are seen as positive, although there is a historical divergence in views regarding whether tokens themselves are financial products or securities [6]

Regulatory Landscape - ASIC (澳大利亚证券与投资委员会) 指出比特币不是金融产品 [1] - 仅交易比特币的交易所可免于许可 [1] - 稳定币、wrapped tokens（封装代币）和tokenized securities（代币化证券）需要在 6 月 30 日前获得许可 [1] Industry Implications - 行业对监管明确性表示欢迎 [1] - 行业指出存在瓶颈、专业知识有限、银行准入和保险缺口等问题 [1] - 合规性成为一项后勤挑战 [1]

Australia classifies stablecoins, wrapped tokens as financial products in updated guidance https://t.co/MnyDPw4kZh ...

Crosschain swaps...≠ wrapped tokens≠ trusting anyone≠ bridge dramatell a fren.🅰︎🅽︎🅳︎🆁︎🅴︎☯🦧 (@0xAndreeee):So yeah Most people think “cross-chain” means bridging wrapped tokens or trusting third parties.But @ShapeShift quietly built something that flips that entire model ... letting you swap real BTC for real ETH… no wrapping, no custody, no middlemen.➤How ShapeShift lets you https://t.co/PORLgkOIyd ...