ASIC Plans To Extend CFD Protections To Crypto-Settled Derivatives

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) plans to extend Australia’s contract-for-difference protections to qualifying derivatives settled through digital-asset transfers, adding tighter safeguards to part of the crypto derivatives market.

The proposed rules would impose leverage limits, require providers to close positions when accounts fall below specified levels and protect customers from losses exceeding the funds in their CFD accounts. The measures would apply to products that meet additional criteria, while some fixed-term crypto futures and options would remain outside the proposed scope.

ASIC is seeking feedback from industry participants and other stakeholders through Nov. 9. The consultation comes as Australia broadens oversight of digital-asset businesses.

The country’s existing CFD framework took effect in 2021. Separate legislation passed in April will bring crypto exchanges and tokenized custody platforms into the financial-services licensing system, with that regime scheduled to begin April 9, 2027.