ASIC Flags Crypto as a “Regulatory Perimeter” Risk for 2026
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Australia’s financial regulator has signaled closer scrutiny of crypto firms in the year ahead, framing digital assets as a “regulatory perimeter” issue in its Key Issues Outlook 2026.
In the report published Tuesday, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) grouped digital assets with emerging sectors such as payments and AI-driven financial services. Rather than focusing on price volatility or adoption risks, ASIC highlighted structural concerns around businesses operating outside existing licensing, disclosure and conduct regimes.
The regulator said its priority for 2026 will be maintaining clarity around licensing boundaries and strengthening oversight where new financial services fall at the edges of current laws.