The Finance Algorithm
§ Tool · tier 2 · independent

AFSL Digital Assets Compliance Tool.

Helps digital asset platforms assess if they must obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence under Australia's expanded AFSL regime, commencing 9 April 2027.

Live dataFree, no signupOn-deviceLiveupd August 2026
Inputs
Your numbers

Select the digital asset activity most relevant to your business.

Important for assessing AFSL requirements, given Australian jurisdiction.

AFSL may apply if you deal with Australian retail/wholesale clients.

Select the financial or crypto service your business provides.

Indicate whether you already have an AFSL or are an authorised representative.

AFSL requires fit-for-purpose compliance, governance, and reporting arrangements.

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The Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Act 2026 passed Parliament on 1 April 2026 and received Royal Assent on 8 April 2026, dramatically expanding the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) regime to cover a broad range of digital asset businesses. The regime formally commences on 9 April 2027, after an 18-month ASIC consultation period and a further 6-month transition window. Two earlier deadlines have already passed: the transitional 'existing operator' AFSL application window closed 30 June 2026, and ASIC's INFO 225 no-action relief also expired that day. If you run a crypto exchange, custody provider, token issuer, NFT marketplace, wallet service or operate any digital asset business in Australia or with Australian clients, you should already be progressing an AFSL application or authorised representative arrangement well ahead of commencement. This tool instantly assesses your likely AFSL pathway, based on ASIC’s guidance (including INFO 225) and the new legislative definitions. Use it to understand if you need to apply, become an authorised representative, or upgrade your compliance systems.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

Crypto Exchange Serving AU Retail Clients

A global token exchange lists multiple altcoins, with 40% of users from Australia. It does not yet hold an AFSL.

Direct marketing to AU users and facilitating trades in tokens/crypto assets means it is in-scope. With the 30 June 2026 transitional deadline for existing operators now passed, it must lodge a standard AFSL application (or become an authorised representative) well ahead of the 9 April 2027 commencement, implement compliance/reporting, and disclose all risks to clients.

NFT Marketplace Only Targeting Overseas

An NFT marketplace excludes Australian IP addresses and restricts signups to non-AU countries.

If it has robust geo-blocking and does not knowingly have AU clients, likely OUT OF SCOPE. Exception: if Australians can intentionally bypass controls, may still face compliance risk. Legal review recommended.

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

AFSL
Australian Financial Services Licence—required for providers of financial products/services in Australia.
Digital Asset
A digital representation of value (including tokens, stablecoins, NFTs, and digital rights) that can be transferred, traded, or used for payment/investment.
Authorised Representative
An entity/person authorised by an AFSL holder to provide financial services on its behalf. Faster to obtain and lower compliance burden for early-stage startups.
INFO 225
ASIC guidance sheet (Information Sheet 225) outlining the regulatory scope for crypto-asset businesses. Its long-standing no-action relief expired 30 June 2026 as the new AFSL regime phases in ahead of its 9 April 2027 commencement.