Australia’s ASIC warns on crypto, payments and AI risks in 2026
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has warned that rapid innovation across crypto, payments and artificial intelligence is widening regulatory-perimeter gaps and increasing the risk of consumer harm.
In its Key issues outlook 2026, the regulator highlights unlicensed advice, misleading conduct and attempts by some firms to remain outside the licensing regime placing ASIC Key Issues Outlook 2026 digital assets risks at the centre of its supervisory focus this year.
ASIC’s 2026 risk map: digital assets, payments and AI
ASIC’s outlook stresses that fast-growing fintech segments can blur the line between regulated and unregulated activity. The Commission notes that emerging digital-asset products and services may fall outside established rules, creating uncertainty that some firms may exploit. ASIC says government policy choices will determine whether these products are brought under existing frameworks, while the regulator prioritises perimeter monitoring and licensing clarity through 2026.
What changes are on the table?
In late 2025, the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 was introduced to amend the Corporations Act 2001 and the ASIC Act 2001—defining concepts such as digital tokens and digital-asset platforms and tailoring financial-services laws for these activities. Parliamentary materials indicate the bill remains in progress. If enacted, it would give ASIC and the Minister clearer powers to regulate platform operators and tokenised custody.
Why this matters for consumers and markets
ASIC’s warning follows a series of enforcement and policy steps targeting crypto-related misconduct, and aligns with global concerns about AI-enabled financial services and tokenisation. Industry reports and coverage emphasise ASIC’s focus on consumer protection and transparency for 2026.
Containing exact keyword
ASIC Key Issues Outlook 2026 digital assets risks: what ASIC expects from firms
Firms operating in or near the regulatory perimeter should.
Assess whether offerings are financial products under the Corporations Act.
Avoid unlicensed advice and misleading promotions.
Implement robust disclosure and conduct controls when using AI models in financial decisions.
Engage with ASIC early to clarify licensing obligations.
Containing exact keyword
FAQs on ASIC Key Issues Outlook 2026 digital assets risks
What is the main concern? Rapid innovation is enabling unlicensed activity, confusing consumers and increasing misconduct risk. Who decides the regulatory scope? The government sets the policy, while ASIC enforces and clarifies licensing boundaries.
Context & Analysis
ASIC’s stance mirrors a global pattern: regulators emphasise perimeter clarity while legislatures debate bespoke digital-asset regimes. The Australian bill would codify definitions and powers, potentially reducing uncertainty for platforms and consumers but outcomes hinge on Parliamentary passage and detailed rules.
Last Words
ASIC has identified perimeter risks linked to digital assets, payment systems, and artificial intelligence as a top regulatory focus for 2026. The regulator is calling on the government to provide clearer policy direction so emerging technologies can be supervised consistently and effectively. Stronger guidance will help close regulatory gaps, improve market integrity, and reduce consumer harm as innovation accelerates across financial services and technology driven platforms.
Firms should proactively align operations with licensing requirements, strengthen compliance controls, and enhance governance frameworks. Consumers are encouraged to verify provider authorisations before using services to reduce exposure to unlicensed or risky operators globally.
FAQs
Q : What did ASIC publish today?
A : ASIC released its Key Issues Outlook 2026, outlining risks from digital assets, payments, and artificial intelligence.
Q : Who decides whether new crypto services are regulated?
A : The Australian government determines policy, while ASIC enforces the rules and provides regulatory guidance.
Q : How can I tell if a provider is licensed?
A : Search the AFS licensee register using the firm’s legal name and confirm that its authorisations match the services being offered.
Q : What is the digital-assets bill in Parliament?
A : The Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 proposes definitions and regulatory powers for platforms and tokenised custody.
Q : Did ASIC mention AI risks?
A : Yes. The outlook highlights risks from AI use in financial services, including misleading conduct and advice-related issues.
Q : How soon will new rules take effect?
A : The timing depends on Parliament, as the bill’s passage and commencement dates are not yet final.
Q : Does the ASIC Key Issues Outlook 2026 change existing law?
A : No. It is a regulatory outlook, not legislation. It signals ASIC’s priorities while law-making remains with Parliament.
Facts
Event
ASIC warns of consumer risks from regulatory-perimeter gaps in digital assets, payments and AIDate/Time
2026-01-27T16:00:00+05:00Entities
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); Parliament of Australia; Corporations Act 2001; ASIC Act 2001Figures
N/A (policy/oversight announcement)Quotes
“Rapid innovation…continues to create risks including with unlicensed advice, misleading conduct, and the exploitation of unclear regulatory boundaries.” ASIC Key issues outlook 2026 (News item)Sources
ASIC Key issues outlook 2026 (asic.gov.au), Parliament of Australia Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 (aph.gov.au)