These are the Aussie companies exploring opportunities in digital currencies.
It all started with bitcoin in 2009, but now the world of cryptocurrencies has extended to Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple and beyond. And with these digital currencies exploding, more Australian startups are looking into the business opportunities they represent.
Disclaimer:
This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific provider,
service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and
involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance
is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own
circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify
the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements)
and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may
have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
From bitcoin exchanges to platforms that let you receive part of your salary in bitcoin, here is the complete list of Australian cryptocurrency startups.
| Company name | Website | What does it do? | About the startup |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACX | View site | Bitcoin exchange | Australia’s cryptocurrency exchange boasts the largest liquidity pool and order book for bitcoin in Australia. ACX allows you to buy and sell bitcoin for no fees as well as deposit funds via a bank transfer in supported countries. |
| Bata | View site | Cryptocurrency | Bata is a currency with ambitious aims – to replace trade dollars in traditional barter systems. Bata’s currency BTA is available on the blockchain and operates with no central authority and with transactions handled collectively. |
| Bit Trade Australia | View site | Bitcoin market | Bit Trade Australia draws on its team's years of financial strategy experience to buy and sell bitcoin on your behalf with other buyers and sellers. |
| Bitcoin Australia | View site | Cryptocurrency exchange | Bitcoin Australia allows you to buy and sell bitcoins by making a deposit at one of their 1200 locations. |
| BitPOS | View site | Bitcoin merchant processor | BitPOS is trying to make it easier for Australians to spend and buy bitcoins. It does this by providing secure and convenient Bitcoin ATMs and allowing merchants to accept Bitcoins in their stores. |
| BitRocket | View site | Bitcoin merchant processor | BitRocket provides bitcoin ATMs that allow you to convert up to $10,000 cash into bitcoin per transaction. It also allows you to sell bitcoin and withdraw cash from your bitcoin wallet. |
| Blockbid | View site | Cryptocurrency exchange | Blockbid is a cryptocurrency exchange with a difference, aiming to facilitate trading of more coins than any other exchange. And this includes fiat currencies as well. |
| BTC Markets | View site | Cryptocurrency exchange | BTC Markets says it allows you to "trade blockchain assets with ease". It does this by allowing you to buy and sell bitcoin and utilise convenient features such as BPAY. |
| BuyaBitcoin | View site | Cryptocurrency exchange | Want to buy bitcoins? BuyaBitcoin can help, but it also helps you sell bitcoin and offers instant liquidity through its over-the-counter model. |
| CanYa | View site | Blockchain-based service marketplace | CanYa is an online marketplace for services powered by blockchain. Those looking to book someone in the gig economy, such as a plumber or graphic designer, can search, book and pay someone through the platform. |
| Coin Loft | View site | Cryptocurrency exchange | Coin Loft allows you to buy bitcoins and other altcoins, such as Ether, at a newsagency, with cash, via bank transfer, with a Flexepin voucher or using a credit card. |
| Coinbase | View site | Cryptocurrency exchange | Coinbase lets you buy and sell bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin on its secure digital platform. Payment options include bank account, debit and credit card. |
| CoinJar | View site | Cryptocurrency exchange and wallet | Self-described "next-gen personal finance account" CoinJar allows you to buy, sell and spend bitcoin and move between currencies from within the wallet. |
| CoinSpot | View site | Cryptocurrency exchange and wallet | CoinSpot allows you to buy bitcoin, Ethereum and a range of other coins directly in Australian dollars. It offers bank-level security and a multi-coin wallet with no monthly cost and low transaction fees. |
| CoinTree | View site | Cryptocurrency exchange | CoinTree is a secure way to buy, send and sell bitcoin and promotes "one of the lowest rates around". |
| digi.cash | View site | Cryptocurrency | digi.cash is electronic cash, allowing you to securely send payment from phone to phone from your digi.cash account. All payments produce transaction records and all you need is an Internet connection. |
| Get Paid in Bitcoin | View site | Bitcoin platform | This platform allows you to do exactly what its name says – get paid in bitcoin. After you register, you simply give the information to your employer and you're set up to receive part of your pay in bitcoin. |
| Smartbit | View site | Bitcoin explorer | Smartbit is a company that builds digital currency tools on the bitcoin blockchain. |
Picture: Shutterstock
