ASIC's Crypto Crackdown Intensifies: Appeals Federal Court Verdict

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In a bold step, ASIC has contested the recent Federal Court ruling by Justice John Jackman, which found digital currency exchange Block Earner guilty of offering unlicensed financial services through its crypto-based Earner product. Despite acknowledging Block Earner's honest and non-negligent conduct, ASIC remains dissatisfied with the outcome.

According to ASIC, the Federal Court judge erred by suggesting that Block Earner depended on legal advice and also profited from its violations. The appeal highlights that regulatory ambiguity should not shield a company knowingly engaging in questionable activities for financial gain.

ASIC aims to overturn the initial judgment and seeks a penalty of $350,000, in addition to the costs incurred during the appeal process. This initiative is emphatic about ensuring stringent regulatory compliance in the financial services sector, particularly concerning burgeoning crypto products.

Notably, Block Earner operates under Web3 Ventures Pty Ltd, an AUSTRAC-registered currency exchange. However, it lacks an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), a critical regulatory component according to ASIC.

On February 9, 2024, the court concluded that between March and November 2022, Block Earner had been providing unlicensed financial services and running an unregistered managed investment scheme through its fixed-yield product, Earner.

Conversely, the court dismissed ASIC's claims that Block Earner's variable yield crypto-assets offering, known as the Access product, required a financial services license and should be registered as a managed investment scheme.

This rigorous stance by ASIC comes at a time when crypto products are under intense scrutiny worldwide. The appeal underscores ASIC’s commitment to bringing clarity and compliance to the financial services space, leaving no room for regulatory evasion.

Published:Wednesday, 19th Jun 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Used Boat Interest Builds as Spring Buying Season Nears

27 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's used boat market is moving back into sharper focus as the spring boating season approaches, with marine classifieds and dealer activity again putting late-model trailer boats, fishing rigs, family runabouts, personal watercraft and cruisers in front of motivated buyers. For households that have spent winter researching models, the next few weeks may bring more inspection opportunities, but also more pressure to act quickly when a suitable vessel appears. - read more

Fresh Rate Signals Put Boat Finance Back Under the Microscope

13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia's winter boat show season has left many buyers with brochures, dealer follow-ups and a clearer sense of the vessel they want. The latest finance market signals now point to the next challenge: making sure the loan structure is as carefully chosen as the boat itself. - read more

After the Sydney Boat Show, Finance Planning Takes Centre Stage

05 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

With the 2026 Sydney Boat Show now complete, many Australian buyers are moving from browsing mode into decision mode. The event brought a broad mix of trailer boats, fishing craft, family cruisers, personal watercraft, electronics and accessories into one place, giving would-be owners a valuable chance to compare models and speak with dealers. The next step, however, is less glamorous and more important: turning enthusiasm into a sustainable finance plan. - read more

Boat Buyers Urged to Check the Numbers as Show Season Builds

29 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s major boat show calendar is again putting boating dreams in front of thousands of would-be buyers, with new launches, dealer promotions and late-model used vessels all competing for attention. For households considering a first boat or an upgrade, the excitement is understandable. The more important story, however, is financial discipline: the best-looking deal on the stand is not always the lowest-cost ownership outcome over the life of a loan. - read more

Sydney Boat Show Puts Boat Buyers Back in Planning Mode

22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

The 2026 Sydney Boat Show is shaping up as a timely checkpoint for Australians thinking about a first boat, an upgrade or a move into a more capable family, fishing or cruising vessel. Returning to Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park from 30 July to 2 August, the event is expected to bring together more than 120 local and international exhibitors, hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products across boating, fishing, watersports and outdoor lifestyle categories. - read more

What July's Boat Loan Rate Update Means for Buyers

15 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian boat buyers have a fresh snapshot of the lending market, with Canstar's boat loan comparison data updated on 15 July 2026. The update shows indicative unsecured boat loan offers for a $20,000 loan over three years, with some listed comparison rates starting from 5.95% for applicants who meet strong credit criteria. - read more

Click for more Finance News