Coinbase Breaks Into Australia: Crypto Giant Eyes Stocks, Futures, and Options Boom

Coinbase wins Australia license, plans push into futures, options, and equities

Coinbase now has a license to operate as a financial service in Australia and is planning to grow its business there. This includes adding new services like futures and options trading, stock trading, and payment options – essentially expanding into more traditional financial areas.

Summary

  • Coinbase has secured an Australian financial services license, allowing it to launch crypto and equity perpetuals.
  • The license places Coinbase under the same conduct, disclosure, governance, and consumer protection standards that apply to traditional financial firms in Australia.

Coinbase plans to first offer crypto and equity perpetuals in Australia after receiving its financial services license, with plans to add futures, options, and other standard financial products later on, according to John O’Loghlen, Coinbase’s regional managing director for APAC.

According to O’Loghlen, they plan to challenge traditional financial services like stock trading and payments by offering the speed and efficiency of cryptocurrency.

As I understand it, Coinbase’s new license brings them under the regulatory umbrella traditionally reserved for established financial institutions. This means they’ll now be held to the same standards regarding how they operate, what they disclose, their internal governance, and, crucially, protecting their customers.

O’Loghlen commended Australia’s clear and organized approach to regulating digital assets.

He stated that sensible rules benefit consumers, help businesses in the industry, and support Australia’s goal of becoming a top digital economy in the Asia-Pacific area.

Australia is moving forward with new laws for digital assets. The Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 recently passed both parts of parliament on April 1st and is now waiting for final approval. Once approved, the new rules will take effect in one year.

Coinbase continues expansion

In addition to growing its services, Coinbase is building out its team with experienced leaders in areas like law, regulatory compliance, marketing, and day-to-day operations.

Coinbase recently achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first cryptocurrency company to receive preliminary approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. This makes Coinbase the first large U.S. crypto exchange to gain this type of authorization.

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2026-04-08 10:16