Coinbase receives AFSL, plans product expansion

Coinbase Australia, a subsidiary of Coinbase Global, has been granted an Australian financial services licence (AFSL), as the crypto exchange looks to expand into traditional financial products leveraging digital asset infrastructure.

Shortly after the passage of the Digital Assets Framework Bill, which requires crypto exchanges to obtain AFSLs, Coinbase Australia has received its AFSL. It's also become the first to be granted a retail derivatives authorisation, which permits the business to issue over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives products - including crypto derivatives - to retail clients.

Moving forward, Coinbase will launch crypto and equity perpetuals in the local market, followed by futures and options, with plans to expand into stock trading, payments, and other traditional financial products on its platform.

Coinbase managing director, APAC John O'Loghlen said the AFSL allows the exchange to offer competitive products to everyday Australians.

"With this licence, we can bring the first products of the everything exchange to Australian customers, crypto and equity perpetuals. And we have plans to soon be competing with traditional financial services on products like stock trading, foreign exchange, and structured products, all with the speed and transparency that crypto-native infrastructure enables," O'Loghlen said.

"Today's announcement reflects years of investment in Australia and our commitment to operating at the highest standards of consumer protection and regulatory compliance."

He added Coinbase is well-prepared for the regulatory change, welcoming former ASIC supervisor Adam Judd as chief operating officer in December 2025. Judd will also be the responsible manager for the AFSL moving forward.

"We have long believed that thoughtful regulation is good for customers, good for the industry, and good for Australia's ambition to be a leading digital economy in the Asia-Pacific region," O'Loghlen said.

"We look forward to continuing to work alongside ASIC and Treasury to help shape a regulatory environment that protects consumers, fosters innovation, and positions Australia for leadership in the global digital economy."