Australian Regulatory Compliance Firm HCPA Opens US Office In Austin, Texas

Melbourne-based regulatory compliance company HCPA has expanded into the United States, opening an office in Austin, Texas, as a first step in an international growth plan.

The company, founded by Kyle Hunt, works with businesses trying to enter and operate in heavily regulated industries. It says its focus is on making licensing requirements and regulatory processes more navigable for smaller operators, startups and first-time founders who lack the resources of larger incumbents.

Hunt argues that while regulation exists to protect consumers, the cost and complexity of compliance can create barriers that favour established players with the scale to absorb them.

“Too many industries have become inaccessible unless you have significant money, resources or connections,” Hunt said. “Our mission is simple: open the world’s hardest industries to everyone. Whether you’re a startup founder or someone with a great idea, you shouldn’t be locked out because the rules are too complicated or the barriers are too high.”

The case Hunt makes

Hunt points to Australia’s banking sector as an example of the dynamic he is trying to address.

Banking carries strict requirements around capital reserves, risk management, cybersecurity, consumer protection and anti-money laundering systems. Those protections are necessary for trust and stability, but they also set a high bar for new entrants.

For a smaller financial institution, building the infrastructure required to meet those standards can demand significant investment before it has the chance to compete. Australia’s four largest banks, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and NAB, have the advantage of spreading those costs across millions of customers.

The result, Hunt argues, is an industry where rules designed to protect consumers can unintentionally make it harder for smaller organisations to enter.

“Regulation exists for a reason: it protects people and creates trust,” he said. “But when the cost of entering an industry becomes too high, we risk creating systems where only the biggest companies can compete. Our mission is to give the smaller players access to the tools, technology and support they need to stand alongside the giants.”

From Australia to the US

HCPA has built its business in Australia by helping companies navigate certification and operational requirements in regulated sectors. Hunt says the same barriers exist across the United States, which prompted the expansion.

“The smaller guys deserve access to the same advantages. That’s what we’re building.”

The Austin office is the company’s first outside Australia, with further international growth planned.

Measuring success differently

Hunt framed the company’s goals in terms of market share rather than traditional business metrics.

“It’ll be measured by how much revenue goes from the monopolies to the small guys,” he said. “If we can make it easier for the small business owner, the first-time founder or the underdog to compete against the big players, then we’re doing exactly what we set out to do.”

Last Updated on July 6, 2026 by Nick Ross