By PAUL O’DONOGHUE, Senior Correspondent
THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published guidance setting out how the UK’s future crypto regime will apply to firms.
The guidance comes ahead of the authorisation gateway opening on September 30, 2026. The new regime will come into force on October 25, 2027.
The instructions covers activities including:
- Issuing qualifying stablecoins
- Operating cryptoasset trading platforms
- Dealing and arranging deals
- Safeguarding cryptoassets
- Arranging cryptoasset staking.
The guidance is available to view [HERE].
David Geale, executive director of consumers, payments and competition at the FCA, said: “We are building a crypto regime that firms, consumers and international partners can trust.”
“Getting ready for regulation starts with understanding how the regime applies to your business. This guidance gives firms the clarity they’ve asked for so they can prepare with confidence.”
The new regime follows legislation introduced by the Government in February 2026 to bring cryptoassets into UK regulation.
The FCA said the guidance follows work to prepare for the new system, including finalising its rules in June 2026.
FCA crypto guidance
The regulator is also supporting firms through pre-application discussions and webinars. Pre-application support meetings are available [HERE] ahead of the gateway opening.
The FCA is hosting webinars to help firms understand its rules and prepare for authorisation. An introduction to the UK’s new crypto regulatory regime is available on demand [HERE]. The next webinars will cover: applying the FCA handbook; getting authorised and the prudential framework.
The Government has also made targeted changes to the legislation underpinning the regime. These include limited exclusions and greater clarity for some technical service providers.
“These changes will not affect most crypto firms, which can use this guidance now to prepare for authorisation,” the FCA said.
“The FCA will, however, consult in October on targeted updates to this guidance in light of these legal changes.”
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