Coinbase has secured an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) with retail derivatives authorization, marking a major regulatory milestone as it expands its footprint in one of the world’s most active crypto markets.
The license, granted by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, allows Coinbase Australia Pty Ltd to offer a broader range of financial products, including crypto and equity perpetuals.
The company also plans to introduce futures, options, and additional traditional financial instruments over time as part of its long-term strategy.
The approval positions Coinbase as one of the first crypto exchanges to obtain an AFSL with derivatives authorization, ahead of upcoming legislation that will require digital asset platforms in Australia to operate under a financial services licensing framework.
Coinbase said the license strengthens its commitment to regulatory compliance and consumer protection, aligning its operations with standards typically applied to traditional financial services providers.
The company emphasized that this move lays the groundwork for its “Everything Exchange” vision, which aims to integrate crypto trading, equities, payments, and other financial services within a single platform.
Australia has been a key market for Coinbase since it began serving local users in 2016. The company established a local entity in 2022 and has since introduced features such as PayID support, advanced trading tools, and round-the-clock customer service.
It has also engaged with policymakers and partnered with academic institutions to support blockchain research and regulatory development.
Coinbase Australia’s AFSL will be overseen by Chief Operating Officer Adam Judd, who brings experience from both the private sector and regulatory roles.
The company noted that his background will support compliance as it expands into more complex financial products.
The development comes as Australia moves to formalize crypto regulation under the proposed Digital Assets Framework Bill 2025.
Coinbase said it looks forward to working with regulators to foster innovation while ensuring robust safeguards for investors.
