The Crypto Travel Rule will come into effect in Australia on 1 July 2026. To prepare for these requirements, Independent Reserve is introducing updates to the address book, where users manage saved withdrawal addresses.
These updates are designed to help users verify crypto wallet addresses in advance and ensure crypto transfers continue to operate smoothly once the regulation takes effect.
What is the crypto travel rule?
The Crypto Travel Rule is a regulation that requires cryptocurrency exchanges to collect and share basic sender and recipient information when crypto is transferred between exchanges or other custodial service providers.
The rule brings crypto transfers closer to how traditional bank transfers are handled and will be enforced in Australia by AUSTRAC.
What is changing in my account?
To support upcoming Travel Rule requirements, users may notice the following changes in their Address Book:
- New wallet statuses, such as “pending verification” and “verified”, are introduced to indicate verification progress.
- A prompt to review the added withdrawal addresses
- A requirement to select and confirm the receiving exchange when adding exchange-type wallets.
These updates help confirm whether a withdrawal address belongs to a personal wallet or another exchange, allowing the required information to be shared when transfers occur between exchanges or custodial service providers.
Will withdrawals still work?
Yes. Withdrawals will continue to operate as normal.
Users may see prompts to review recently added withdrawal addresses and are encouraged to review and verify saved addresses in advance to avoid potential delays once the rule becomes mandatory.
Address verification and wallet types
When adding or reviewing a withdrawal address, users must specify whether the address belongs to a personal wallet or another cryptocurrency exchange.
Personal wallet
For personal wallet addresses will appear as verified in your address book once they are added.
Exchange address
If the address belongs to another cryptocurrency exchange, select other exchange and specify the exchange name.
What will happen after 1 July 2026?
Once the Travel Rule becomes mandatory, transfers between exchanges or custodial providers will require verified withdrawal addresses. This allows exchanges to share the sender and recipient information required under the regulation.
Trading and everyday account activity will continue to operate as usual.
Deposit verification
Travel Rule requirements may also apply to certain deposits.
If cryptocurrency is sent to your Independent Reserve account from another exchange or custodial provider, the sending platform may share required sender and recipient information with Independent Reserve as part of Travel Rule compliance.
Deposits from personal wallets will continue to be supported.
What should I do now?
At this stage, no immediate action is required. However, reviewing and verifying saved addresses early may help avoid delays once enforcement begins.
A step-by-step guide on wallet verification will be available once these updates are live.
