Financial Services Licensing and Regulatory Filings

Gilbert + Tobin provides comprehensive licensing, regulatory application, and ongoing compliance advisory for financial services businesses including crypto asset platforms, banks, payment service providers, and fintech companies. The firm is ranked Tier 1 in Fintech and Financial Services Regulatory by The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2026 and Band 1 in Banking & Finance by Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026.

Digital Asset Platform Licensing

The firm guides clients through Australia's digital asset regulatory framework:

• Digital Asset Platform Licensing: Applications under the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 for Digital Asset Platforms and Tokenised Custody Platforms
• AFSL (Australian Financial Services License) Applications: Licensing for crypto exchanges, wallet providers, and digital asset custodians
• Foreign Financial Service Provider (FFSP) Relief: Licensing pathways for international crypto businesses operating in Australia
• Regulatory Sandbox Applications: Enhanced regulatory sandbox reviews for innovative digital asset products
• Stablecoin and Wrapped Token Relief Applications: Leveraging ASIC relief instruments and exemptions

Payment Services and Money Services Licensing

Guidance on payment system licensing under Australia's modernized regime:

• Payment Services Provider Licensing: Regulation covering digital wallets and crypto payment solutions
• Non-Cash Payment Facility Licensing: Licensing requirements and exemptions for payment platforms
• Buy-Now-Pay-Later Regulation: Compliance with BNPL regulatory framework
• AML/CTF Registration: AUSTRAC registration and ongoing compliance for digital asset businesses

Banking and Institutional Licensing

Comprehensive regulatory licensing for traditional and digital financial institutions:

• Authorised Deposit-Taking Institution (ADI) Licensing: APRA licensing under updated framework
• Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR): Implementation and ongoing compliance
• Financial Accountability Regime (FAR): Accountability obligations for financial institutions
• Institutional Banking Compliance: AFSL requirements, market misconduct prevention, financial crime obligations

Regulatory Engagement and Filings

The firm works directly with Australian regulators to manage:

• License application preparation and regulator correspondence
• Licensing renewals and variations
• Regulatory relief and no-action letter applications
• Regulator negotiations and advocacy
• Ongoing compliance reporting and filings

Why Choose Gilbert + Tobin

Gilbert + Tobin works directly with ASIC, APRA, and AUSTRAC, participating in consultations and shaping the development of digital asset regulation in Australia. Client testimonials highlight the firm's regulatory expertise: "Very knowledgeable about financial services in the fintech space—know what is happening at a regulatory level and are proactive in keeping our business informed."