Australia moves to close crypto derivatives loophole after retail traders lose A$458 million

Australia's markets regulator proposed extending retail leverage restrictions to crypto-settled derivatives amid mounting losses among investors trading risky financial products. On Oct. 12, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) announced it wants to expand its existing contracts-for-difference (CFD) rules to cover qualifying derivatives settled through digital assets, closing a regulatory gap that lets economically similar products face different restrictions. The proposal follows ASIC's finding that 68% of retail CFD clients lost money during the 2023–24 financial year, with combined losses exceeding A$458 million ($325 million), including A$73 million in fees.