Across leading jurisdictions, governments are clarifying digital-asset rules, introducing licensing for custody and exchanges, and setting expectations for stablecoins and payments. New Zealand has strong foundations, but without a coordinated plan we risk fragmented policy and missed opportunity.
Prepared by BlockchainNZ’s Digital Assets Working Group, the Digital Assets Roadmap 2030 outlines where New Zealand needs to head and the key steps required to build a coherent, future-ready digital-asset framework, aligned with international best practice and tailored for New Zealand.
What the Roadmap Covers
The Roadmap sets out a sequenced legislative and regulatory plan across five priority areas essential for safe innovation and market confidence:
- Stablecoins and payments
- Asset classification
- Digital-asset custody
- Exchanges
- Debanking and access to banking services
These domains form the core frameworks needed to bring compliant blockchain and digital-asset businesses into New Zealand.
A Phased Path to 2030
The Roadmap sets out a sequenced approach, recognising what needs to happen first.
Phase 1: Build foundations (2025–2026)
Introduce legislation and core frameworks, beginning with asset classification, custody, and stablecoins. Early clarity is critical to unblock industry activity and reduce regulatory risk.
Phase 2: Scale (2026–2029)
Operationalise exchange and custody regimes, expand sandbox environments, strengthen AML/CFT and consumer protections, and support skills and infrastructure development.
Phase 3: Lead (by 2030)
Achieve global alignment, support cross-border interoperability, and position New Zealand to help shape emerging international standards rather than simply adopt them.
Why This Matters Now
- Economic opportunity – higher-value jobs, export-led growth, and capital inflows.
- Safer markets – clear expectations for firms and consumers.
- Competitiveness – keeping pace with jurisdictions like Australia, the UK, and Singapore.
- Preparedness – ensuring New Zealand is ready for the next phase of financial and digital infrastructure.
Who It’s For
- Parliament and regulators – a shared reference point to support alignment and constructive dialogue.
- Industry and investors – predictability for responsible innovation and long-term investment.
How to engage
- Read the Roadmap
- Share Feedback
Together, the Roadmap aims to turn clarity into coordinated action, supporting a safe, competitive, and future-ready digital-asset economy for New Zealand.