ASIC's Crypto Crackdown Intensifies: Appeals Federal Court Verdict
Regulator Raises Stakes in Battle Over Crypto Oversight
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.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has escalated its efforts in regulating crypto-related activities by appealing a significant Federal Court decision.
This move underscores the regulator's robust stance against crypto products circumventing financial regulations.
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.
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.
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
Sydney’s biggest boating showcase is preparing to return to Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park from 30 July to 2 August 2026, with the Boating Industry Association confirming a broad line-up of more than 120 local and international exhibitors. For prospective buyers, the timing is important: major shows can create excitement, but they can also compress purchase decisions into a busy few days. - read more
Fresh Australian boat loan comparison data updated on 30 June 2026 shows a clear message for anyone planning a purchase: the headline interest rate is only one part of the finance decision. With lenders offering different structures, fees, loan terms and eligibility settings, buyers who compare carefully may be better placed to avoid unnecessary costs over the life of their loan. - read more
The Boating Industry Association has marked a significant leadership milestone, electing Tracy Souris as its new Board Chair and President on 12 May 2026. Souris becomes the first woman to lead the organisation since it was established in 1960, taking over from Adam Smith after his six years of service on the BIA Board. - read more
New Zealand-based company Vessev is set to revolutionise water transport in Western Australia by introducing a fleet of electric hydrofoiling vessels on Perth's Swan River. In partnership with the ENAUTIC Group, Vessev aims to provide a sustainable and efficient solution to the region's transportation needs. - read more
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently blocked the proposed sale of Telwater Pty Ltd., one of Australia's largest aluminium boat manufacturers, from BRP Inc. to Yamaha Motor Australia. This decision ensures that Telwater remains under BRP's ownership for the foreseeable future. - read more
Navigating the financial path to securing a dream can be a thrilling journey. For many, the aspiration to own a boat and sail the picturesque waters of Australia is a dream intensely pursued. Yet, the wake of excitement is often trailed by the complexity of financial planning. - read more
Pre-approved boat financing is an initial green light from a lender indicating that you are eligible to borrow up to a certain amount of money for the purchase of a boat. This process involves a preliminary assessment of your creditworthiness, usually before you start shopping for your new vessel. - read more
Welcome to the world of boat loans, where understanding your credit history is just as important as choosing the perfect vessel. Whether you're dreaming of lazy afternoons on the lake or planning epic adventures at sea, securing a boat loan effectively is the first step to making those dreams a reality. - read more
A boat loan can be defined as a type of financing tailored specifically to help buyers acquire a boat. It serves a crucial role in making the dream of boat ownership more attainable, as it enables you to spread the payment over a period of time rather than shelling out a substantial sum upfront. - read more
From the bustling harbors of Sydney to the serene waters of the Great Barrier Reef, boating is a treasured Australian pastime that combines the love of the ocean with the spirit of adventure. With so many Australians drawn to the water, understanding the financial aspects of boat ownership is crucial, particularly when it comes to securing a boat loan. However, wading through boat loan rates and terms can feel as complex as navigating through choppy seas. - read more
Boating offers a unique escape and a chance to explore Australia's stunning waterways. For many, owning a boat is a dream come true, providing endless adventures and cherished memories with family and friends. - read more
Start Here
Quotes are offered free & without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Knowledgebase
Mutual Fund: An investment vehicle made up of a pool of funds collected from many investors for the purpose of investing in securities such as stocks, bonds, money market instruments, and other assets.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.