Coinbase Australia has received an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) with retail derivatives authorisation from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), becoming the first crypto exchange to achieve this milestone.
An AFSL authorizes businesses to provide regulated financial services in Australia. It covers activities like giving financial advice, trading financial products, operating investment schemes, and other specified services.
AFSL holders must meet their disclosure and compliance obligations, maintain adequate resources, and uphold the standards of Australia’s financial regulatory framework.
The approval reflects years of investment in the market and reinforces Coinbase’s commitment to strong consumer protection and regulatory compliance, said John O’Loghlen, Coinbase Regional Managing Director APAC & Country Director Australia, in a statement.
“Receiving an AFSL is the natural next step in our journey,” O’Loghlen stated. “This licence subjects Coinbase Australia to the same standards of conduct, disclosure, governance and consumer protection that apply to traditional financial services providers, and that is exactly how it should be.”
The licence arrives ahead of new regulatory requirements and enables Coinbase to expand its Everything Exchange offering locally.
Australians will gain access to crypto and equity perpetuals, with futures and options planned, as Coinbase moves toward offering a broader suite of financial products on a single platform, as noted by the company.
Since entering the Australian market in 2016, Coinbase has steadily built its presence, including establishing a local entity, registering with AUSTRAC, and launching tailored services such as PayID integration and advanced trading tools.
The company has also engaged with research institutions, industry groups, and policymakers while building a team experienced in the regulated sectors.
Crypto ownership in Australia has hit a record 33% of adults, according to the 2026 Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index.
Adoption is rising despite 30% of investors experiencing blocked or delayed bank payments, and many Australians still seek clearer guidance on crypto taxation. Younger Australians remain the most active holders, and confidence in crypto’s long-term role continues to grow.
