Virtual asset service provider register goes public

AUSTRAC made its register of virtual asset service providers publicly searchable on its website, with the change announced on 30 June 2026. The register allows members of the public and businesses to verify whether a virtual asset service provider, formerly referred to as a digital currency exchange provider, is registered with AUSTRAC before using its services.

Businesses may need to register with AUSTRAC if they provide designated virtual asset services, including exchanging virtual assets for money or other virtual assets, providing virtual asset safekeeping services, accepting instructions to transfer virtual assets on behalf of customers, or providing financial services connected with the offer or sale of a virtual asset where the business participates in that offer or sale. AUSTRAC has regulated this sector since 2018, and the renaming to virtual asset service providers reflects the expanding range of crypto related products and services now captured under the AML/CTF regime.

Before making the register public, AUSTRAC conducted a review of the existing register, engaging with 128 inactive businesses, which resulted in 62 exiting the sector through registration action or voluntary withdrawal, intended to prevent the register from being misused for money laundering purposes. AUSTRAC has said it may cancel a registration where there are reasonable grounds to do so, and all virtual asset businesses must be registered before offering these services in Australia.

The register is similar in function to AUSTRAC's existing remittance sector register and is intended to improve transparency and help the public identify legitimate providers.