Australia's securities watchdog has revealed plans to extend existing guidelines for initial coin offerings (ICOs).
In a speech at a fintech event in Sydney on Thursday, John Price, a commissioner of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), told the audience to expect updates that will focus overseas ICO fundraising projects targeting the country's investors.
"We will highlight that Australian corporate and consumer law might apply – even if an ICO is created and offered from overseas. This is an important point given the international nature of this sector," Price said during the event.
The remarks stem from concerns over the current perception that ICOs can bypass the regulator's oversight by registering overseas.
"I cannot stress enough that if you are doing business here and selling something to Australians – including issuing securities or tokens to Australian consumers – our laws here can apply," Price said.
Price said, however, that the regulator still has concerns over the emerging space's low threshold for immature businesses to enter, which drives a "certain level of opportunism."
The commissioner stated:
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