The Financial Conduct Authority published its final rules and guidance for the UK cryptoasset regime on 30 June 2026. The publication completes the Crypto Roadmap the FCA launched in 2023. The authorisation window for firms opens on 30 September 2026. The full mandatory regulatory perimeter takes effect on 25 October 2027.
The statutory foundation is the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2026. Parliament enacted those Regulations on 4 February 2026, bringing a broad range of cryptoasset activities within the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 perimeter for the first time at primary-legislation level. The FCA's regulatory reach now extends beyond the prior anti-money laundering registration and financial promotions consent regimes. The final rules span four policy statements covering stablecoin issuance under Policy Statement PS26/10, trading admission and disclosure, market abuse for cryptoassets, and the application of the FCA Handbook to regulated cryptoasset activities.
All firms intending to carry on regulated cryptoasset activities in the UK must obtain FCA authorisation under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 before 25 October 2027. Exchanges, custody providers, stablecoin issuers, and trading platforms must submit applications to the FCA between 30 September 2026 and 28 February 2027. Anti-money laundering registration under the Money Laundering Regulations does not substitute for full authorisation under the new regime. Firms with temporary registered status should begin authorisation scoping immediately.
The FCA confirmed that firms already registered under the anti-money laundering regime may continue to operate while their authorisation applications are pending. The FCA also published consultation paper CP26/4, covering FCA Handbook modifications for the second part of the regulated cryptoasset activities regime. CP26/4 remains open for responses as of this post. Its outcome will affect conduct requirements applying from 25 October 2027.
Licentium may advise firms on authorisation strategy, application preparation, and compliance structuring under the UK cryptoasset regime. We also work with firms on product and business model analysis as the new perimeter takes effect. Work we undertake includes cryptoasset regulatory authorisation, FSMA perimeter analysis, CASP licensing, stablecoin issuance compliance, trading platform regulation, market abuse controls, and FCA Handbook implementation.
Source: Financial Conduct Authority, Cryptoasset Regime Policy Statements, 30 June 2026