Coinbase Australia Receives an AFSL With Retail Derivatives Authorization

Coinbase announced on April 7, 2026 that Coinbase Australia Pty Ltd had received an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The licence includes authorization to offer derivatives to retail clients, and Coinbase says it is the first crypto exchange to get this approval.

What Coinbase plans to offer

With the licence, Coinbase plans to bring crypto and equity perpetual futures to Australian customers first, followed by futures and options. It also wants to compete on stock trading, payments and other traditional financial products from the Coinbase app.

Why it matters

The licence came ahead of Australia's Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025, which will require digital asset platforms to hold a financial services licence. An AFSL holds Coinbase Australia to the same conduct, disclosure, governance and consumer protection standards as traditional financial firms.

Adam Judd, Coinbase Australia's Chief Operating Officer, oversees the licence. He previously worked at CommSec and spent more than ten years at ASIC.

Background

Coinbase first served Australian customers in 2016. In 2022 it set up a local entity registered with AUSTRAC and launched a local platform with PayID deposits and 24/7 support. Derivatives are high-risk products, and retail access in Australia is subject to ASIC's product rules.