Australia Introduces Digital Assets Framework Bill (2025 Corporations Act Amendment) to License Crypto Platforms and Tokenization Custody

COINOTAG News reports that, per Decrypt, the Australian Treasury and Department of Financial Services have tabled the 2025 Corporations Act Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill in Parliament, introducing the nation’s first consolidated regime for entities holding client digital assets.

The bill creates two key categories: digital asset platforms and tokenization custody platforms, each requiring an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Digital asset platforms manage client crypto holdings and provide transfer, trading, or staking facilities; tokenization custody platforms handle real‑world assets such as bonds, real estate, and commodities.

Under the proposal, platforms would align with ASIC custody and settlement standards. A partial exemption applies for firms with client assets under $5,000 and annual trading volumes below $10 million, easing the path to full licensing.

The government notes the regime could unlock roughly $24 billion in annual productivity gains, with non‑compliant operators facing penalties in the multi‑million dollar range.