DeFi & DAO Legal Structuring & Regulatory Advice

Access our award-winning legal & compliance services to build your protocol on a secure legal foundation.

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Specialised Legal Services for DeFi & Web3

AFSL House moves beyond traditional finance to provide targeted legal infrastructure for protocols, DAOs & digital asset issuers. We help you build, launch & scale while managing regulatory friction.

Regulatory Perimeter Advice

Determine if you actually need a licence. We analyse your protocol against AFSL & MIS laws to clarify your regulatory obligations & identify exemptions.

Token Legal Opinions

Secure the formal legal opinions required by exchanges for listing. We assess utility vs. security token classification under Australian law.

DAO Legal Wrappers

Protect contributors from personal liability. We structure appropriate legal entities to interface with the real world while preserving decentralisation.

Smart Contract Legal Review

Ensure your code matches your contracts. We align your Terms of Service with your smart contract mechanics to limit developer liability & user risk.

AML/CTF Registration

Navigate AUSTRAC requirements. We assist with Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) registration & AML/CTF program development if you hold custody.

Web3 Commercial Agreements

Robust contracts for the digital economy. We draft SAFTs, token warrants, market-making agreements & validator contracts.

Australia’s Leading Legal Advisors for DeFi & Web3

200+

Successful AFSL
Applications

100%

AFSL Application
Success Rate

80+

Compliance
Platform Users

6

AFSL Lawyers

8x

Award-Winning

Rated 5-Star By Our Clients

Why Choose AFSL House for DeFi & DAO Structuring?

Our point of difference is deep technical fluency. We bridge the gap between code & regulation, translating complex smart contract mechanics into robust legal structures that withstand regulatory scrutiny.

Technical Defence

We distinguish between protocol utility and financial services. We build legal arguments based on smart contract execution to prevent your software from being misclassified.

Developer Protection

We design legal wrappers that insulate individual contributors. We structure your DAO to negate the “general partnership” risks that expose developers to personal liability.

Perimeter Precision

We define the exact boundaries of the Managed Investment Scheme regime. We provide the certainty you need to operate on the edge of innovation without crossing into non-compliance.

Get Your Free Initial Consultation

Request a Free Consultation with one of our experienced AFSL Lawyers today.

Our 4-Step Strategic Framework for DeFi & DAOs

At AFSL House, our mission is to deliver expert guidance & support in the financial services sector. We aim to simplify the DeFi regulatory & DAO structuring process & ensure our clients remain compliant.

200+

AFSL Applications

100%

Success Rate

Step 1: Perimeter Audit

Our team identifies MIS triggers & licensing obligations within your protocol’s specific architecture.

Step 2: Governance Structuring

We design DAO models & legal wrappers to mitigate developer and contributor liability.

Step 3: Framework Drafting

We develop precise legal documentation, platform T&Cs & governance frameworks.

Step 4: Agile Oversight

We provide ongoing regulatory intelligence to ensure the protocol remains aligned with Australian regulations as laws evolve.

End-to-End Crypto & Digital Asset Licensing Services

Navigate ASIC’s evolving crypto regime with confidence. We deliver specialised AFSL applications, legal structuring, and compliance frameworks for exchanges, wallet providers, token issuers, and DeFi protocols. Secure your regulatory footing & scale your infrastructure without legal friction.

Crypto Exchanges

Secure the correct AFSL authorisations for 'dealing' and 'market making'. We manage your full application & draft compliant operating rules.

Crypto Wallet & Custodians

Obtain critical ‘Custodial’ & ‘Non-Cash Payment’ (NCP) authorisations. We ensure your infrastructure meets ASIC’s strict cyber resilience standards.

Token Issuers

Launch your ICO or IDO legally. We provide definitive 'financial product' legal opinions & draft compliant Product Disclosure Statements (PDS).

DeFi Platforms

Strategic advice for DAOs. We analyse Managed Investment Scheme (MIS) risks & structure your governance to minimise regulatory exposure.

Free & Practical AFSL Guides & Checklists

Free 90-seconds Assessment

Are you complying with your AFSL?

We understand the challenges of complying with your AFSL obligations. That’s why we created this free 90-second assessment.

Quickly check your status and get the insights you need. Take the test now.

2026 Guide to AFSL Applications

A practical guide covering the key steps, milestones & timeframes for obtaining an AFS License.

Your AFSL Roadmap

An illustrative chart with key milestones & steps in applying for an AFSL & ensuring ongoing compliance.

AFSL Compliance Calendar

Comprehensive calendar outlining key compliance deadlines & obligations for AFSL holders throughout the year.

Get Your Free Initial Consultation

Request a Free Consultation with one of our experienced AFSL Lawyers today.

Insights Library

AFSL Guides & Insights for Crypto & Digital Assets

Stay ahead of evolving regulation. Access free guides, checklists & insights on crypto licensing, written by our specialist AFSL lawyers.

- Guide -

Complete AFSL Guide for Crypto & Blockchain Licensing in Australia

- Guide -

5 Common Questions about Starting a Crypto Exchange in Australia

Who We Are

Founded in 2020 by senior financial services lawyer Peter Hagias, AFSL House specialises in regulatory and legal services for AFSL holders. Our expert team serves fintech companies, fund managers, and financial planners both locally and internationally, delivering compliance solutions that withstand regulatory scrutiny.

Under Peter’s leadership as an industry consultant and compliance committee chair, we continue to provide outstanding support to Australia’s financial services sector.

Market-Leading, Comprehensive AFSL Services

AFSL House offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of financial services companies seeking an Australian Financial Services Licences (AFSL) and compliance support.

AFSL Applications

We are proud to have a 100% success rate in AFSL applications, ensuring our clients obtain their AFSL in record time.

Compliance & Regulation

AFSL House prepares tailored risk and compliance frameworks to ensure you comply with your AFSL obligations.

Legal Support

Our expert team of specialised AFSL lawyers provides holistic legal services to AFSL holders & AFSL Applicants.

AFSL Audits & Investigations

We deliver comprehensive governance audits to avoid enforcement action and assist in ASIC and AUSTRAC investigations.

AFSL for Hire

Be appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) under our AFSL to commence operations quickly.

Marketplace for AFSL

Access our curated database of existing AFSL sellers and brokers to expedite your license acquisition process.

AFSL Responsible Manager Recruitment

Connecting AFSL holders and applicants with qualified Responsible Managers. Expert RM sourcing and placement.

White-Label Services

We enable legal and consulting firms to offer AFSL expertise under their own brand through our white-label solutions.