Coinbase is planning to expand its services in Australia to include derivatives, equities, and payments after receiving an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL). The move positions the exchange to compete with traditional financial institutions on stock trading, payments, and other financial products with the speed and execution typical of crypto markets.
John O’Loghlen, Coinbase’s APAC regional managing director, said the license will allow the platform to initially offer crypto and equity perpetuals, with future plans for futures, options, and additional traditional products. Holding an AFSL subjects Coinbase to the same conduct, disclosure, governance, and consumer protection standards as conventional financial services providers, marking a milestone in Australia’s regulatory framework for digital assets.
The licensing comes as the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 awaits royal assent. The legislation will take effect 12 months after assent, formalizing oversight of crypto platforms.
Regulatory Framework and Legislation
Coinbase has also been expanding its Australian team, hiring senior staff in legal, compliance, marketing, and operations, while previously partnering with OKX to offer self-managed superannuation fund services. Crypto adoption is growing in Australia, with estimates showing 33% of Australians holding crypto in 2026, up from 31% in 2025, reflecting a rise in both investment and use for payments.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.