Coinbase Australia has secured an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, clearing it to offer regulated retail crypto derivatives. The approval positions the exchange as an early entrant under Australia’s new digital asset framework, which passed in 2025. According to its announcement, Coinbase will initially offer perpetual contracts, with plans to later expand into futures and options.
Coinbase Australia has secured an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) from the regulator ASIC. This license allows the company to offer retail crypto derivatives under rules applied to traditional financial firms.
The company intends to begin with crypto and equity perpetual contracts. It also aims to expand into futures and options at a later stage.
According to the company, this approval supports its broader “Everything Exchange” strategy focused on multiple asset classes. Coinbase Australia stated that the country remains a key market for its global expansion plans.
The new license follows the passing of the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025. This legislation establishes formal licensing requirements for crypto exchanges.
The framework offers an 18-month grace period to achieve full compliance. Coinbase Australia obtained its license before this period commenced, potentially giving it a competitive advantage.
The compliance operations will be managed by Adam Judd, the chief operating officer of Coinbase Australia. He previously worked for ASIC and the brokerage CommSec.
