We recently made AUSTRAC’s register of virtual asset service providers (VASP) publicly available on our website. The register allows the public to verify if a VASP is registered with AUSTRAC before using its services. 

The register lists all VASPs registered and regulated in Australia. It improves transparency, helps people identify legitimate businesses and supports Australia’s effort to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious crimes. It also brings Australia in line with international standards. 

Who needs to be registered

You may need to register with us if your business provides any of the following designated virtual asset services:

  • exchange virtual assets for money (and vice versa), or make arrangements for this type of exchange 
  • exchange virtual assets for virtual assets, or make arrangements for this type of exchange 
  • provide a virtual asset safekeeping service
  • accept instructions to transfer virtual assets on behalf of customers or make transferred virtual assets available to customers
  • provide financial services in connection with the offer or sale of a virtual asset where the business is participating in the offer or sale. 

Since 2018, we have regulated VASPs to ensure they meet ongoing regulatory requirements. The public register provides a simple way to verify whether a provider is registered and operating under AUSTRAC’s oversight. Similar to our remittance sector register, it helps people identify legitimate providers and reduces the risk of financial crime. 

All virtual asset businesses must be registered with us before they can offer these services in Australia.

We may:

  • cancel a registration if there are reasonable grounds to believe the person or business is no longer carrying on a VASP service
  • suspend, cancel or refuse to renew a registration if a business poses an unacceptable risk of money laundering, terrorism financing, people smuggling or other serious crime.

We encourage inactive virtual asset businesses to voluntarily withdraw their registrations, rather than risk having them cancelled.

More information

Visit the VASP register on our website to verify registered providers. You’ll also find resources on our website to help you understand and comply with your AML/CTF obligations.