FCA Gives UK Crypto Firms Five-Month Window for Authorisation Ahead of New Regulatory Regime

UK crypto firms have been given a five-month window to apply for Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorisation before a new regulatory regime is expected to take effect in October 2027.

The application period will open on September 30, 2026, and close on February 28, 2027. The FCA's published timetable sets out the next stages of the process.

The regulator opened a pre-application support service in July to help firms prepare before submitting applications.

Zumo founder and CEO Nick Jones said that the application window provides firms with a route into the UK market, which some financial institutions had previously considered too difficult due to uncertainty over regulation and risks associated with business partners.