Australia

Updated 21 October 2026

AUSTRAC DCE Registered Company for Sale — Australia

Digital currency exchange (DCE) providers in Australia must register with AUSTRAC under the AML/CTF Act 2006 before they operate, and registration is renewed every three years. You can register a new company from scratch or acquire a ready-made AUSTRAC-registered company. We source these entities off-market for qualified buyers — register your requirement and we will match you with suitable companies under NDA.

What DCE registration is and who regulates it

Businesses that exchange digital currency for money (or the reverse) in Australia must register with AUSTRAC under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) before they start operating. Registration is renewed every three years.

Australia is also moving towards a broader digital asset platform licensing regime under ASIC. These are proposed reforms, so buyers should factor possible future licensing requirements into their plans.

How to register a crypto exchange with AUSTRAC from scratch

**Set up the company** and decide which digital currency exchange services you will provide.

**Build the AML/CTF programme** required under the AML/CTF Act, including customer due diligence and reporting.

**Apply to AUSTRAC for DCE registration** and wait for registration before operating.

**Maintain the registration**, including renewal every three years.

What you get when you acquire an existing company

An Australian company already registered with AUSTRAC as a DCE provider

An existing AML/CTF programme and records to review and adapt

A known date for the three-year renewal

The ability to plan around the proposed ASIC reforms with an established entity

Acquisition process and change-of-control steps

**Register your requirement:** tell us your services, timing and any other Australian licences you need.

**NDA and shortlist:** we share matching off-market companies with qualified buyers under NDA.

**Due diligence:** confirm the AUSTRAC registration status and renewal date, the AML/CTF programme and the company's history.

**Sale agreement and completion:** agree terms, with escrow where appropriate.

**Post-completion updates:** notify AUSTRAC of the changes to ownership, control and key personnel, as the registration requires.

Register from scratch vs acquire an AUSTRAC DCE company

	Register from scratch	Acquire a registered company
AUSTRAC registration	New application; no operating until registered	Existing registration, updated for new ownership
AML/CTF programme	Written from scratch	Existing programme to review and adapt
Operating history	None	Existing history and records
Renewal	Every three years from registration	Every three years — the cycle continues
Proposed ASIC reforms	Applies to new and existing businesses alike	Applies to new and existing businesses alike
Main risk	Registration outcome	Inheriting the seller's history — due diligence is essential

Register your buyer requirement

We source these entities off-market for qualified buyers. Tell us what you need and we will match you with suitable companies. All communications are handled under strict NDA.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a ready-made AUSTRAC DCE company?

Yes, AUSTRAC-registered DCE companies change hands off-market. We source these entities off-market for qualified buyers — register your requirement and we will match you with suitable companies under NDA.

Do I need to register with AUSTRAC before operating a crypto exchange?

Yes. Digital currency exchange providers must register with AUSTRAC under the AML/CTF Act 2006 before they operate.

How often is AUSTRAC DCE registration renewed?

AUSTRAC DCE registration is renewed every three years.

How do I register a crypto exchange with AUSTRAC?

Set up the company, build an AML/CTF programme, apply to AUSTRAC for DCE registration and wait for registration before operating. Alternatively, acquire a company that is already registered.

Will Australia require a crypto licence from ASIC?

Australia is moving towards a broader digital asset platform licensing regime under ASIC. These are proposed reforms, so plan for possible future licensing requirements.