Insights APRA consults on a more transparent bank licensing framework The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released draft Licensing Criteria and Guidelines for locally incorporated authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), proposing a more transparent, timebound and effective pathway… 21 May 2026
Insights AFSL exemptions for foreign financial service providers The Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2025 has received Royal Assent, introducing three new AFSL exemptions for foreign financial service providers. Visit Gilbert + Tobin for more. 9 Apr 2026
Insights Australia passes highly anticipated digital asset regulation The Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 has received Royal Assent, introducing digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms as financial products. Visit Gilbert + Tobin for more. 9 Apr 2026
Insights Remaking relief instrument for non-cash payment facility providers The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) remade a longstanding relief instrument for certain non-cash payment facilities, pending a broader reform to Australia’s payments regulation. 7 Apr 2026
Insights Remaking of relief instrument for managed discretionary account services The regulatory relief instrument for managed discretionary accounts is due to expire on 1 October 2026. ASIC is consulting on whether to remake ASIC Corporations (Managed Discretionary Account Services) Instrument 2016/968 and, if so, wheth… 31 Mar 2026
Insights Payments System Modernisation Tranche 1: key proposals at a glance The Australian Government released for consultation a significant package of reforms to modernise the regulation of payment service providers. The reforms are contained in the Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2026: Payments System Modernisation… 31 Mar 2026
Insights ASIC consults on increasing NTA requirements for responsible entities and other fund operators Following recent managed investment scheme collapses, ASIC is consulting on proposals to increase the net tangible assets requirement for responsible entities and other fund operators. Read more at Gilbert + Tobin. 25 Mar 2026
Insights Payments system modernisation reforms A look at the government’s new draft regulations covering buy-now-pay-later, digital wallets, crypto asset providers and cash distribution services. 13 Mar 2026
Insights AML/CTF reform Major reforms to Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regime, extending the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre's (AUSTRAC) oversight to new sectors and introducing staged compliance exp… 13 Mar 2026
Insights Regulation of payment services providers Australia's payments landscape is undergoing its most significant regulatory transformation in over two decades. The government is modernising the way payment service providers (PSPs) are regulated, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern p… 13 Mar 2026
Insights ASIC finalises relief for stablecoins and wrapped tokens ASIC has finalised the class relief proposed in October for certain stablecoins and wrapped tokens under ASIC Corporations (Stablecoin and Wrapped Token Relief) Instrument 2025/867. 28 Jan 2026
Insights Enhanced regulatory sandbox under review The Australian Government is reviewing the enhanced regulatory sandbox to boost fintech innovation amid limited uptake. Consultation closes 6 Feb 2026. Read more at Gilbert + Tobin. 22 Jan 2026
Insights Australia reshapes digital asset regulation The release of the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 aims to introduce Digital Asset Platform and Tokenised Custody Platforms as financial products. 17 Dec 2025
Insights Exemptions for FFSPs An overview of the uncertain future of foreign financial service providers (FFSP) licensing relief. 9 Dec 2025
Insights The Legal 500: Blockchain and Crypto Assets (Australia) Gilbert + Tobin’s Fintech team has published The Legal 500: Blockchain & Crypto Assets – Australia, outlining key developments and regulation of the sector. Visit Gilbert + Tobin to find out more. 20 Nov 2025
Insights ASIC Information Sheet 225 (INFO 225) ASIC's updated guidance on when crypto assets fall within financial services laws, with further clarity on token characterisation, custody and staking. 11 Nov 2025
Insights ASIC issues class no action letter for digital asset businesses ASIC has issued a class no action position to support the transition to licensing for financial services providers involving digital asset financial products in Australia. 11 Nov 2025
Insights ASIC instruments for stablecoins, wrapped tokens and omnibus accounts In connection with its new INFO 225, ASIC is consulting on a proposal to provide class relief to distributors of eligible stablecoins and wrapped tokens, and enabling omnibus account structures for custody providers. 11 Nov 2025
Insights ASIC’s focus on private credit funds shifts to regulate wholesale funds generally For more than a year, ASIC has devoted considerable enforcement and surveillance resources to monitor and take action against operators of retail and wholesale private credit funds. 11 Nov 2025
Insights ASIC proposes to expand stablecoin distribution exemption ASIC)has proposed broadening the stablecoin distribution relief instrument to cover a second named stablecoin, reinforcing ASIC’s interim approach of treating such stablecoins as financial products ahead of a finalised regulatory framework. 3 Oct 2025
Insights Digital assets licensing Treasury's evolving plans for a licensing regime covering digital asset platforms and stablecoins, with draft legislation anticipated but not yet released. 25 Sep 2025
Insights Global Legal Insights: Fintech in Australia We outline key regulatory approaches and developments to fintech in Australia, examine the rise of regulatory and insurance technology, and more. Read full publication. 12 Sep 2025
Insights Updated licensing framework for ADIs The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA) proposed overhaul of the authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADI) licensing process, designed to streamline approvals, set clear criteria and encourage new entrants. 8 Sep 2025