FCA Crypto Registration Rates Rise Amid Regulatory Overhaul
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has seen a significant increase in crypto registration rates, but new data suggests that this may not be due to the regulator lowering its standards.
A recent analysis of FCA decisions found that between August 1 and September 30, 2026, 56% of cases ended in registration, compared to just 17% over a longer period since January 2020. However, this shift may be attributed to changes in the types of firms applying for authorization rather than any relaxation of standards.
The FCA is set to introduce new regulations under the Financial Services and Markets Act, which will require crypto firms to meet stricter governance, operational resilience, and consumer protection requirements.
The regulator has warned that firms applying late may face restrictions on taking on new UK business while their cases remain pending. As a result, even those that cleared the existing gateway must apply again under the new regime.