ASIC Grants Licensing Relief for Stablecoin Distribution

[cryptohog]

Australia’s corporate watchdog is easing compliance pressure on crypto intermediaries.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has introduced a new exemption that allows intermediaries to distribute certain stablecoins without holding their own financial services license—provided the stablecoin is issued by an entity already licensed under the Australian financial services (AFS) regime.

The ASIC Corporations (Stablecoin Distribution Exemption) Instrument 2025/631 covers services such as:

General financial advice.

Secondary market making.

Custodial services.

Distribution of stablecoins (but not issuing).

ASIC stressed that this relief is designed to support responsible innovation, while ensuring that stablecoins remain under the oversight of licensed issuers.

The exemption is temporary and will expire on June 1, 2028, unless replaced earlier by a more permanent framework for payment stablecoins.

[jacson4]

Smart move by ASIC Supporting innovation while keeping issuers under full oversight

[Nahid10]

Intermediaries get breathing room No need for separate licenses = faster adoption.

[The_Walking_Dead]

Australia taking a pragmatic step here By easing rules for intermediaries, ASIC is encouraging stablecoin adoption while keeping oversight in place. Temporary exemption until 2028 gives the industry room to innovate before a permanent framework arrives

[Couturier]

ASIC’s move is a smart balance ️ — easing compliance for intermediaries while keeping stablecoins under licensed oversight. Temporary until 2028, but a clear signal that Australia wants to foster responsible crypto innovation

[Maxwell]

This is a smart move by ASIC—striking a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining oversight. By easing the burden on intermediaries while keeping stablecoin issuance tied to licensed entities, it creates room for broader adoption without sacrificing consumer protection. A solid step toward a clearer, long-term framework for payment stablecoins in Australia.