DecentrAtty
AUSTRAC DCE - AUSTRALIA
Crypto-regulated company to start business in Oceania
Quick facts
Regulator / authority
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC)
Coverage
Exchange of digital currency for fiat (and vice versa), wallet storage
Best for
Operate as a crypto exchange or as an OTC crypto desk with such a type of company easily
Local presence
Required (Australian entity)
Substance level
Medium (the company should have a local address; the director can be a foreigner or local with the necessary qualifications; a qualified compliance officer should be Australian from March 2026)
Banking friendliness
High
Who this is for
Best fit
Hold crypto temporarily for exchange purposes
Facilitate buy/sell transactions
Run crypto exchange without big share capital requirements
On-ramp and off-ramp services in one place
What you can do (scope)
Exchange crypto ↔ fiat
Exchange crypto ↔ crypto
Operate a crypto brokerage
Operate an OTC crypto desk
Facilitate buy/sell transactions
Hold crypto temporarily for exchange purposes
On-ramp / off-ramp services
Requirements overview
Company & presence
The legal entity should be registered in Australia, and a local Australian address should be provided. It's necessary to have an Australian-qualified director
Key persons / governance
1 shareholder, 1 director, 1 compliance officer (should be local from March 2026)
Capital / safeguarding / bonds
Minimum capital: 1 AUD
AML/CTF baseline expectations
Risk assessment and management matrix; red flag indicator sheet; AML/CTF program; client identification and verification procedures
Reporting / audits
Suspicious Matter Reports (SMR); Threshold Transaction Reports (TTR); International Funds Transfer Instructions (IFTI); Independent AML/CTF audit (key requirement); Record-keeping requirements (KYC/CDD records, AML/CTF Program versions, training records)
Process (end-to-end steps)
Step 1: Eligibility & scope mapping
Confirm your activities fall under AUSTRAC designated services and whether AFSL is also needed
Step 2: Entity setup
Register an Australian company (e.g. with ASIC) and secure a local address
Step 3: Documentation pack
Corporate documents for the legal entity (certificate of registration of a Company, share certificate, constitution, etc.); risk assessment and management matrix; red flag indicator sheet; AML/CTF program; client identification and verification procedures
Step 4: AUSTRAC registration
Submit DCE registration and respond to AUSTRAC queries
Step 5: Compliance program
Implement and maintain AML/CTF program, reporting, and record-keeping
Step 6: Ongoing compliance
Meet SMR, TTR, IFTI obligations and independent audit requirements
What's included in our support
Core package
- Advising on your AUSTRAC application
- Registration of legal entity with ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)
- Preparation of corporate documents for legal entity (certificate of registration of a Company, share certificate, constitution, etc.) and AML documents (risk assessment and management matrix; red flag indicator sheet; AML/CTF program; client identification and verification procedures)
- Legal address for 1 year
Optional add-ons
- Compliance Officer as a Service
- Assistance with finding a qualified local Australian director with a directorship ID
- Guidelines for management of company with AUSTRAC
- KYC, KYT, and KYB tool advising
- Assistance with finding proper white label or Banking as a Service
- Accountant services
- Assistance with legal and financial reporting
Ready made
AUSTRAC DCE - Australia · From EUR 65,000
FAQ
What is AUSTRAC?+
AUSTRAC is Australia's AML/CTF regulator supervising money services, payments, remittances, and crypto exchanges
Is AUSTRAC a license or a registration?+
It is a registration, not a financial services license, but it comes with strict AML/CTF obligations
Who must register with AUSTRAC?+
Any business providing designated services, including crypto exchange, remittance, payment services, or digital currency dealings involving Australia
Is there a minimum capital requirement?+
No. AUSTRAC does not impose minimum capital, unlike AFSL or banking licenses
What activities require more than AUSTRAC?+
Activities involving financial products (custody of financial assets, derivatives, investment advice, managed accounts) require an AFSL
Can an AUSTRAC-registered business hold client funds?+
Yes, but only for settlement purposes, not as deposits or savings
Does AUSTRAC registration guarantee a bank account?+
No. Banks perform independent due diligence, but AUSTRAC registration is a baseline requirement for banking
Is AUSTRAC enough for crypto businesses in 2026?+
For basic exchange and payment services, yes. For most advanced crypto activities, AFSL will also be required
Ready to get started?
Discuss licensing from scratch or explore a ready-made route — we'll get back to you within 24 hours.