FCA Opens Authorisation Gateway for Crypto Firms Under New UK Regime

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has opened its authorisation gateway for cryptoasset firms, marking the start of the country's new regulatory regime. The application window is now open until February 28, 2027, and firms must apply by then to continue operating in the UK.

The FCA said that the new regime will bring crypto firms under full regulation for the first time, with standards covering consumer protection, safeguarding, market integrity, and financial resilience. Authorisation is not automatic, and firms must demonstrate that they meet these requirements.

Existing registrations do not convert automatically to authorisation, and firms must obtain FSMA authorisation if they are within scope of a regulated cryptoasset activity.