Australia’s financial regulator proposes new crypto rules, emphasizing risks and mitigation measures

 Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released a consultation paper suggesting updates to its regulatory guidelines for digital assets, with a focus on compliance requirements under the Corporations Act. The revisions to Information Sheet 225 (INFO 225) include 13 worked examples aimed at clarifying when digital assets qualify as financial products, such as stablecoins, packaged tokens, and staking services. In these examples, ASIC outlines scenarios involving exchange tokens, interest-bearing stablecoins, and tokenized assets such as concert tickets. The draft guidance proposes that classification depends on "inherent rights, interests, expectations, and product features that are offered together with the token." ASIC encourages cryptocurrency companies to apply for an Australian Financial Services License, providing them with a safe harbor from legal action.