The Australian Securities and Investments Fee (ASIC) is inviting public suggestions on proposed modifications to its crypto regulation framework, as outlined in a Dec. 4 announcement.
In response to the assertion:
“ASIC’s place continues to be that many digital property are monetary merchandise below the present legislation. [This feedback request] is aligned to and supportive of the Authorities’s broader work in relation to the proposed cost providers reform and digital asset facility reforms.”
So, ASIC’s proposed updates goal to make clear the classification of digital property below present legislation, offering sensible examples of property that qualify as monetary merchandise. These examples embrace change tokens, NFTs, memecoins, and tokenized property.
The regulator can be exploring whether or not so as to add stablecoins and wrapped tokens to the record of categorised monetary merchandise. ASIC stated it seeks enter on the problems arising from the potential transition to the federal government’s proposed digital asset platform and cost stablecoins regimes.
As well as, ASIC is reviewing the Australian Monetary Companies (AFS) licensing system and contemplating new necessities for digital asset companies. This might embrace the necessity for a number of licenses. The regulator additionally contemplates a “no motion” stance for companies already making use of for an AFS license.
Suggestions is due by 5 P.M. on Feb. 28, 2025. ASIC plans to launch the ultimate model of the up to date framework in mid-2025.
ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland emphasised the fee’s objective of fostering monetary innovation whereas prioritizing client safety. He famous {that a} well-regulated monetary system would improve client confidence, market integrity, and wholesome competitors.
Kirkland commented:
“Australia’s monetary providers regulatory regime is broad and expertise impartial. Many digital property and associated merchandise are monetary merchandise below the present legislation. Stakeholders have been calling for higher readability and in response, we’re releasing our draft up to date steering.”
This request follows the latest replace to Info Sheet 225 (INFO 225), which offers new steering for these providing digital asset services. The replace additionally clarifies ASIC’s stance on classifying digital property as monetary merchandise and descriptions the standards wanted to acquire an ASIC license for monetary providers.