---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "asia_pacific", "fatf", "legal"]
aliases: ["AU", "AUS"]
created: 2026-09-01
updated: 2026-04-02
compile_into: ["[[country--australia]]"]
sources:
  - name: "https://www.asic.gov.au"
    url: "https://www.asic.gov.au"
    type: "official"
  - name: "https://www.austrac.gov.au"
    url: "https://www.austrac.gov.au"
    type: "official"
  - name: "https://treasury.gov.au"
    url: "https://treasury.gov.au"
    type: "official"
---

#  Australia (AU) — Crypto Regulation

> Australia has a clear and legal regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, including the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Act 2026 which provides comprehensive regulation for digital assets.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Legal |
| Risk Score | 25/100 (Low Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | High |
| Region | [[domain--asia-pacific|asia pacific]] |
| Currency | [[entity--aud|AUD]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | Capital gains tax applies to crypto assets as property, taxed at marginal income tax rates |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | Corporate tax rates apply to crypto gains, generally 30% or 25% for small businesses |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | Mining income is taxed as ordinary income |
| Staking Tax | Staking rewards are treated as ordinary income and taxed accordingly |
| Airdrop Tax | Airdrops are treated as ordinary income when received |

Crypto assets are subject to capital gains tax and ordinary income tax depending on the activity. There is no VAT on crypto transactions.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | ASIC + AUSTRAC |
| Framework | Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Act 2026 |
| Ease | medium |
| Cost | $20,000 - $100,000 (AUSTRAC registration + AFSL if required) |
| Timeline | 3-12 months |

Licensing is mandatory for crypto exchanges and service providers, with moderate regulatory requirements and compliance obligations.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| [[concept--fatf|FATF]] Member | Yes |
| FATF Status | compliant |

## DeFi

**Status:** regulated

DeFi activities fall under existing financial regulations and must comply with AML/KYC and licensing requirements.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under the digital assets framework and must meet licensing and consumer protection standards.

## NFTs

**Status:** unregulated

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.142/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 35% |
| Climate | temperate |
| Infrastructure | excellent |

Australia has good infrastructure and legal clarity for crypto mining, with moderate electricity costs and a significant share of renewables.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | very_stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 77/100 |
| Ease of Business | easy |
| Internet Freedom | free |
| Banking Access | open |
| Sanctions Programs Active | Yes |

### Recent Political Events

- 2026-04-08: Royal Assent of Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Act 2026 — Provides clear legal framework enhancing regulatory certainty and investor protection

## Enforcement

No detailed enforcement information available

## CBDC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | research |
| Name | Project Acacia |
| Authority | Reserve Bank of Australia |
| Type | wholesale |

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Australia?

Australia has a clear and legal regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, including the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Act 2026 which provides comprehensive regulation for digital assets.

### What is the FATF status of Australia?

Australia is classified by FATF as: compliant.

### Are VASPs licensed in Australia?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

### What is the AML/KYC regime in Australia?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-09-01.*

**Sources:**
- [https://www.asic.gov.au](https://www.asic.gov.au)
- [https://www.austrac.gov.au](https://www.austrac.gov.au)
- [https://treasury.gov.au](https://treasury.gov.au)