Australia's Securities and Investments Commision (ASIC) has introduced a new "crypto-asset" section in its licensing applications.
Many of Australia's top financial institutions have not engaged with the high-risk cryptocurrency sector
Australia's corporate watchdog said on Friday that holders of underlying crypto-asset investment products would need a licence, as part of a new set of guidances it hopes would improve transparency and protect investors.
Many of Australia's top financial institutions have not engaged with the high-risk cryptocurrency sector despite its huge growth in the past year.
A senate report called on Australia to introduce new laws such as tax discounts and a licensing regime for digital asset miners to be more competitive with other countries in the fast-growing space.
Australia's Securities and Investments Commision (ASIC) has introduced a new "crypto-asset" section in its licensing applications that holders of underlying assets that comprise crypto-asset will need.
"Crypto-assets have unique characteristics and risks that must be considered by product issuers and market operators in meeting their existing regulatory obligations," ASIC Commissioner Cathie Armour said.
Estimates of the size of the digital asset industry in Australia vary. One researcher finder.com.au says a sixth of Australians owned cryptocurrency in 2021 worth AUD 8 billion (45,200 crore), with bitcoin the most popular.
The ASIC also provided guidance on best practices for monitoring, holding and prices crypto-assets as well as disclosure and risk management.
© Thomson Reuters 2021
Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (44mm, LTE)
Starts from ₹44,999
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm, LTE)
Starts from ₹37,999
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 (40mm)
Starts from ₹37,999
Haier M70 Mini LED 65-inch
Starts from ₹74,990
CMF Buds Neo True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earphones
Starts from ₹2,199
Xiaomi TV FX Mini LED 65
Starts from ₹64,999
WhatsApp May Launch a Guest Calls Feature, Allowing People Without an Account to Join Calls
Sony and Guerrilla Games Reportedly Working on a New Killzone Project