How to Launch a Crypto Exchange in Australia: Features, Licensing, and Costs

The Australian cryptocurrency market is hot. User-friendly, secure, and Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre/AUSTRAC-registered exchanges are becoming the entry door to $49.9 billion market, and 30% of Aussies already own some form of digital assets. Recently, the Treasury’s draft digital asset legislation release also cleared the regulatory skies for market operators. So, if you’re planning to launch your cryptocurrency exchange software in Australia, there’s never been a better time. It may sound like you’ll need months of coding, audits, and endless paperwork. But the truth is: It’s all sorted with a white label cryptocurrency exchange, which is a ready-to-deploy trading infrastructure with a customizable frontend, allowing exchanges to go live in 7-10 days.  

But the question now is: What are the features, licensing requirements, and costs associated with launching your crypto exchange software in Australia? Let’s decode that.. 

Also Read>>> What is a white label crypto exchange software?

Why Launch Your Cryptocurrency Exchange Software in Australia: Only Facts & Figures

• Market Capitalization: Australia’s $49.9 billion cryptocurrency market capitalization may only look like an expanding slice of the global $4.1 trillion market capitalization, but it is projected to reach around $55-50 billion by the end of 2025 and $114.9 billion by 2033. 

• High Adoption Rates: Approximately 10.8% of Ausies own cryptocurrency in 2025, which equates to around 2.8 million users. However, some surveys even estimate up to 4.6 million owners, positioning Australia as the third leader in terms of crypto adoption. Talking about crypto awareness, it is near-universal, with 95% rates, and 31% of the population having invested or held crypto. 

• The Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, experienced a 69% YoY increase in on-chain activity in the year ending June 2025. 
• Other Stats:
  • 70% of crypto investors plan to increase holdings in 2025.
  • Younger people aged 18-34 and high-income earners lead crypto adoption in Australia.
  • Bitcoin, held by 70-80% of owners, dominates Australia’s digital asset ownership, followed by Ethereum and altcoins/DeFi tokens.

What Makes a Crypto Exchange Software Successful in Australia?

• Liquidity: Whether you’re launching a custom-made crypto exchange or building a white label cryptocurrency exchange development, liquidity stays your #1 priority as traders only stay where there are enough buyers and sellers.

• Mobile-First Design Approach: According to research, more than 80% Australians trade using their mobile phones. So, if you’re not keeping that in mind, you’re not actually building a crypto exchange for Ausies.

• Fast Onboarding: Long signups, KYCs that take days for approvals, and a lack of web3 authentication mean abandoned accounts and half-filled onboarding forms, leading to lost potential customers. 

• Licensing Clarity: Without it, payment providers, banks, and bigger institutions won’t touch your platform. 

• 24/7 Australian Customer Service Support: According to local research, cryptocurrency exchange software that offered 24/7 customer support attracted more customers than those who didn’t. 

• User Trust: Security and audits are also among the top things to consider during white label crypto exchange software development. Effective crypto exchange security measures bring your exchange more traction and retention than ads. 

Features To Prioritize in White Label Cryptocurrency Exchange Development in Australia

Ausies have a strong preference for exchanges that offer low fees, fiat support, and compliance with local regulations for AML rules. Also, exchanges launching in Australia have to compete with local as well as global giants such as Binance, Kraken, Bybit, etc. So, apart from localization strategies and features, they must consider the following:

1. Spot Trading Engine
2. Wallet Integration (Custodial & Non-Custodial)
3. KYC/AML Modules
4. Staking and Yield Features
5. Fiat On/Off Ramps
6. Admin Panel
7. AI Tools for Trend Analysis
8. AI-Enhanced Security Enhancements
9. ETF Trading Support
10. Local Payment Gateway Support (PayID, Bank Transfers)
11. AUSTRAC-Compliant White label Crypto exchange
12. Security Mechanisms, Such as Multi-Factor Authentication, Cold Storage
13. Multi-Asset Support 
14. Advanced Analytics and Portfolio Tools
15. Derivatives Trading 
16. Margin and Leverage Support
17. Copy and Social Trading 
18. Liquidity Pools and AMM Integration (For Hybrid Approach)
19. API and FIX Protocols For HFT
20. Token Launchpads (or IEO Modules)
21. NFT Marketplace Integration
22. Insurance Funds and SAFU Mechanisms
23. Gamification Systems

Also Read>>>Top White Label Crypto Exchanges: 2025 Review

Do You Need a License To Run A Crypto Exchange Software in Australia?

There have been many regulatory changes in Australia lately. So, yes, you’ll need licenses and a reliable cryptocurrency legal services provider. Without the right registration and licensing, you may lose access to banking collaborations.

• AUSTRAC Registration: Mandatory for all cryptocurrency exchange software operating in or targeting Australians. 
• AFSL (Australian Financial Services License): Under the new proposals, crypto exchanges (classified as Digital Asset Platforms) and custody providers (Tokenized Custody Platforms) will be required to secure and hold an AFSL. So, any business must pick an AFSL and AUSTRAC-compliant white label crypto exchange software. 
• AML/CTF Compliance Programs: Ongoing monitoring and regular reporting are compulsory as regulators expect active enforcement and not just paperwork. 
• Threshold-based exemptions: If you’re a very small cryptocurrency exchange software handling less than A$5,000 per customer or $10M annual volume, you may dodge the AFSL obligations, but this won’t apply to most commercial cryptocurrency exchanges. 
• Consumer protection & disclosure: Platforms will need to provide clear risk disclosures, governance reporting, and conflict-of-interest management to align with the Australian regulator’s “bank-grade” expectations.
• Offshore loopholes: Some projects try launching offshore while still targeting Australian users. Regulators are tightening oversight to close this gap, and banks/payment providers may refuse to work with such setups. However, legal teams at your white label cryptocurrency exchange development company can help you ace a global launch strategy that includes Australia.

How Much Does It Cost To Launch A Crypto Exchange Software in Australia?

Launching your cryptocurrency exchange software built from scratch may cost anywhere from $100k to $500k, but if you’ve luckily found a feature-rich and AFSL/AUSTRAC-compliant white label cryptocurrency exchange development solution, you’ll just need $50k to $100k, depending on the sophistication of design and advanced feature requirements. Any legal fees will be extra ($30k – $100k). Your white label crypto exchange software development company may also charge for marketing and liquidity partnerships, which adds an extra $20k to $50k to your cryptocurrency exchange development cost.

Also Read>>> White Label Exchange Software: What to Expect and How to Pick 

Final Word

Australia is one of the most crypto-friendly countries in the APAC region. Whether you’re a startup, a broker, or a fintech brand, launching your exchange in Australia is no longer a “maybe” but more about how fast you can act. 

Custom builds may look attractive as they’re a blank canvas, but white label crypto exchange software development solutions save you from huge costs and months of delays. You also benefit from:

• Faster time-to-market: 7-14 days vs 9-12 months in custom exchange development
• Lower upfront capital: Save at least 60% costs
• Proven security: Already stress-tested engines
• Scalability: Start small, expand later when you leverage a scalable white label cryptocurrency exchange. 
• Focus on business: Let your white label crypto exchange tech provider handle bugs and infra

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule a free demo of Antier’s AUSTRAC-aligned white label cryptocurrency exchange development solution today.