What is an Altcoin? A 2026 Guide for Australians

An altcoin is any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin — the word is short for "alternative coin". Coins usually run on their own blockchain; tokens are issued on top of another chain. Main types include smart-contract platforms, stablecoins, meme coins and DeFi tokens, and risks range from volatility and thin liquidity to project failure and scams. In Australia, AUSTRAC registration for virtual asset service providers is an AML obligation (not an AFSL), and the ATO generally treats crypto as a CGT asset. Education only — not financial advice. Publisher: Eagle BTM Pty Ltd ACN 659 281 820 (AUSTRAC DCE / VASP).

An altcoin is any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Coins vs tokens, main types and risks, plus AUSTRAC and ATO CGT basics for Australians.