Landmark licence enables Block Earner to originate and offer regulated digital asset-backed credit products

Block Earner, has been granted an Australian Credit Licence by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), making it the first digital asset platform in Australia to be regulated to provide credit products under its own licence.

The milestone marks a significant step in the evolution of digital assets within Australia’s financial system, creating a regulated pathway for eligible customers to use digital assets as security for credit.

The licence follows Block Earner’s launch of Australia’s first Bitcoin-backed home loan in July 2025, which has already generated more than $500 million in mortgage demand at the waitlist stage, highlighting strong appetite from crypto holders seeking new pathways into property without needing to liquidate their holdings.

Block Earner will now conduct its lending activities under its own Australian Credit Licence, enabling it to originate, underwrite and offer regulated credit products directly.

Up to this point, Block Earner has operated as a credit representative of existing Australian Credit Licence holder, Mortgage Direct under ASIC’s regulatory framework.

The licence includes the appointment of Charlie Karaboga and James Coombes as Responsible Managers.

With more than 4 million Australians now holding digital assets, Block Earner is targeting growing demand from investors seeking to use those assets within regulated financial products.

Its lending products recognise digital assets as collateral, creating an alternative to traditional credit providers that have generally not served this segment of the market.

Charlie Karaboga, Co-founder and CEO of Block Earner said, “Securing this Australian Credit Licence is a significant milestone for Block Earner and for Australia’s digital asset industry.”

“For the first time, a digital asset platform in Australia can provide credit products under its own Australian Credit Licence, creating a regulated pathway for customers to use digital assets as security for credit.”

“We welcome ASIC’s continued progress in providing a clear pathway for firms in this space. Digital assets are becoming an increasingly common store of wealth for Australians,” said Karaboga

“As that happens, it is important that products built around those assets are brought within established regulatory frameworks that support transparency, responsible lending and appropriate consumer protections.”

“Operating with strong governance and responsible lending has always been our priority. As a registered Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) now holding an ACL, we are proud to be shaping a compliant, disciplined future for the digital asset economy in Australia and globally,” he said.

Board Strengthened For Next Phase of Growth

Block Earner has also appointed two senior financial services and investment leaders to its Board as it prepares for its next phase of growth.

Simon Cant, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Reinventure and Founding President of FinTech Australia, brings deep regulatory and policy expertise. He is joined by Shiau Sin Yen, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Titan Fund (CMCC Global), who previously held senior leadership roles at UBS.

The appointments add global financial services expertise and institutional oversight as Block Earner scales under its Australian Credit Licence, further aligning the business with established financial markets.

Commenting on the Licence, James Coombes, Chief Commercial Officer said,” Securing an Australian Credit Licence is a major step for Block Earner and reflects the increasing maturity of Australia’s digital asset sector.”

Digital assets are now part of the wealth picture for millions of Australians. The next phase is about ensuring those assets can be used within regulated financial products that meet the standards expected of Australia’s credit system.

“As the first digital asset specialist to obtain an Australian Credit Licence for this purpose, Block Earner is reinforcing its commitment to building within Australia’s established regulatory framework.”

“As an AUSTRAC-registered provider, Block Earner has built its platform on a foundation of regulatory alignment, transparency and user empowerment, delivering innovative financial solutions powered by digital assets and blockchain technology.”

Block Earner is also progressing an Australian Financial Services Licence as part of its broader regulatory roadmap, ahead of the implementation of Australia’s Digital Assets Framework.

The reforms are expected to extend the financial services licensing framework to parts of the digital asset sector, consistent with Block Earner’s focus on operating within Australia’s regulated financial system.