Get licensed with confidence
We make AFSL and ACL applications seamless, backed by practical industry insight and regulatory experience. From scope to submission, we handle it all.
Licensing: AFSL & ACL
We simplify the process of obtaining or varying an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) or Australian Credit Licence (ACL). With deep industry experience and a practical understanding of ASIC’s licensing expectations, we guide clients through every stage of the application process—from strategic scoping to final lodgement.
Our Licensing Services include
Initial Consultation
We assess each client’s business model and objectives to identify the most suitable authorisations for your licence. We also advise on the appointment of responsible managers (RMs) and how to meet ASIC’s organisational competence, fit and proper, and suitability requirements.
Application Preparation
We prepare a tailored, regulator-ready application, ensuring all required proofs and controls are addressed.
Regulator Engagement
We manage lodgement and liaise with ASIC to address requisitions and facilitate timely approval.
Post-Licensing Compliance
We support ongoing obligations to ensure licensed entities remain compliant and audit-ready.
Regulatory clarity for crypto and virtual assets
We provide end-to-end support for crypto exchanges, token projects and stablecoin structures, ensuring compliance in a fast-changing regulatory landscape.
Virtual Assets & Blockchain
Ming Dao Law is at the forefront of legal and regulatory advisory in virtual assets, blockchain technology, and decentralised finance (DeFi). We guide clients through the evolving Australian regulatory landscape, with a focus on licensing, compliance and practical structuring.
We regularly advise Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), tokenisation platforms, and crypto lenders and borrowers on licensing, compliance, and regulatory structuring.
Our expertise includes
AUSTRAC Registration
We assist with AUSTRAC registration for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and remittance businesses, ensuring applications meet all regulatory requirements and supporting documentation is correctly prepared.
AML/CTF Program and ML/TF Risk Assessments
We draft tailored AML/CTF Program and conduct ML/TF Risk Assessments designed specifically for virtual asset operations, aligning with AUSTRAC expectations and industry best practice.
Stablecoin and Token Projects
We advise on the structuring and compliance of stablecoin frameworks, token projects and secondary market trading requirements, with a focus on regulatory clarity and consumer protection.
Compliance and Governance
We support exchange operators, crypto lenders, custodians and other virtual asset businesses with compliance frameworks, governance structures and ongoing risk management.
Regulatory Developments
We provide forward-looking advice on emerging Australian virtual asset reforms, helping businesses anticipate change and remain compliant in an evolving environment.
Embed compliance from day one
Practical compliance solutions that strengthen governance, reduce risk, and ensure licensed entities remain regulator-compliant at every stage.
Risk Management & Compliance
Our compliance support covers every aspect of governance, oversight, and regulatory readiness, helping AFSL and ACL holders maintain strong frameworks that stand up to regulatory scrutiny.
Key support includes
Compliance Frameworks
Developing complete frameworks — including policies, registers, manuals, and reporting tools — aligned with ASIC and AUSTRAC expectations.
Polices & Procedures Reviews
Reviewing and monitoring policies, procedures, advice, marketing materials, disclosures (Financial Services Guides, Target Market Determinations, Product Disclosure Statements, and Design and Distribution Obligations regimes), record-keeping, and client communications to ensure they meet regulatory standards
AML/CTF Reviews
Performing independent reviews of AML/CTF Program to assess adequacy and effectiveness against legislative requirements.
Training & Updates
Delivering compliance training and regulatory updates to keep teams informed of changes and emerging risks.
Ongoing Compliance Support
Providing continuing compliance assistance through regular reviews, governance reporting, and day-to-day monitoring.
Strong foundations for sustainable growth
From entity setup to board frameworks and director obligations, we support businesses with governance systems that promote accountability, compliance, and long-term success.
Corporate Governance
Building a company goes beyond paperwork—it requires a governance-first foundation that supports growth, compliance, and stakeholder confidence.
Key services include
Entity Formation & Registration
Incorporation, ASIC registrations, lodgements, Director ID applications, and ongoing corporate secretarial support.
Governance Framework
Drafting tailored documentation such as board charters, shareholder agreements, constitutions, compliance policies, whistleblower procedures, and conflicts of interest protocols—aligned with regulatory standards and board performance expectations.
Director Advisory & Regulatory Alignment
Guiding directors on their legal duties under the Corporations Act, continuous disclosure obligations, and stakeholder communication—aligned with ASIC expectations and corporate law requirements.
Risk & Structure Optimisation
Advising on governance structures, board composition, and escalation frameworks that promote effective decision-making, good corporate culture, and regulatory resilience.
Ongoing Governance Health
Regular reviews and updates to governance arrangements to ensure alignment with evolving laws, regulatory expectations, and business needs.
Structure funds the right way
Advising across the full spectrum of investment vehicles — from Managed Investment Schemes and Exchange Traded Funds to VCLPs, ESVCLPs and tokenised funds — and preparing the documentation and compliance tools required for launch and operation.
Funds Management & Structuring
We provide comprehensive legal solutions for establishing and operating investment structures that align with commercial strategy and regulatory requirements. The focus is on delivering fund vehicles that are practical, compliant, and positioned for growth.
Key services include
Fund Structuring & Establishment
Advising on and establishing a range of structures, including:
- Managed Investment Schemes (MIS)
- Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
- Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (VCLPs) and Early-Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (ESVCLPs)
- Managed Discretionary Accounts (MDAs), Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs), and tokenised funds
Fund Documentation
Preparing and reviewing constituent and offer documents, including:
- Trust deeds
- Information memoranda
- Product Disclosure Statements (PDSs) and Target Market Determinations (TMDs)
- Compliance plans and subscription agreements
Service Provider Engagement
Assisting with the selection, negotiation, and onboarding of custodians, administrators, and other service providers.
Licensing & Start-Up Support
Supporting fund startups with integrated licensing, governance, and structuring advice.
Legal insight for a shifting payments landscape
From AFSL obligations for non-cash payment facilities to AUSTRAC registration and payments reform, we help payment businesses stay compliant, competitive and ready for change.
Payments
The payments industry is changing fast, with new rules for payment service providers, non-cash payment facilities, stored-value arrangements, and buy-now pay-later (BNPL) reshaping how businesses operate. We support payment platforms, fintechs and service providers with strategies that are practical, regulator-ready, and aligned with commercial growth.
Key services include
Licensing & Authorisations
Advising on AFSL/ACL implications for payment products and platforms, including the rollout of BNPL obligations.
AUSTRAC & AML/CTF
Assisting with AUSTRAC registration and preparing AML/CTF Program and risk assessments tailored to payment businesses.
Stored-Value & Payment Facilities
Guidance on stored-value facilities, purchased payment facility (PPF) regimes, and non-cash payment facilities.
Regulator Engagement
Supporting engagement with ASIC, AUSTRAC, the RBA and other regulators on compliance queries and product design.
Dispute Resolution & AFCA
Establishing external dispute resolution arrangements to meet regulatory expectations and support customer outcomes.
Strategic legal support for transactions and growth
From acquisitions to restructures, we advise across the full lifecycle of corporate and commercial transactions with legal rigour and commercial acumen.
Corporate, Commercial & M&A
We advise across the full spectrum of corporate and commercial transactions, combining legal expertise with commercial insight. Our team supports clients through each stage of the transaction lifecycle — from structuring and due diligence to execution and post-completion.
We also provide general corporate and commercial law services to growth companies, startups, and international clients across sectors.
Key services include
Mergers, Acquisitions & Exits
Advising on business acquisitions, disposals, restructures, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations.
Transaction Documentation
Preparing and negotiating share sale agreements, asset purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, and related contracts.
Legal Due Diligence
Conducting legal due diligence to identify risks, verify compliance, and support informed decision-making in acquisitions, investments, and restructures.
Foreign Investment & FIRB
Advising on FIRB requirements and securing foreign investment approvals.
Transaction Structuring & Completion
Designing transaction structures, managing execution processes, and coordinating completion.
Risk Allocation
Reviewing warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurance and advising on liability allocation.