FCA Opens Five-Month Authorization Window for UK Crypto Firms
UK cryptocurrency firms now have five months to apply for authorization under the new regulatory framework, which is set to take effect in October 2027. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) opened its authorization gateway on September 30, 2026, and companies must submit their applications by February 28, 2027.
The UK's legislative groundwork for its crypto regime dates back to 2022, but the framework only began taking shape late last year. This has given European Union (EU) countries a multi-year head start on operating under a bloc-wide framework, with MiCA coming into force in June 2023.
More than 60 companies already hold registration under the FCA's existing anti-money laundering regime, but this status will not automatically transfer to the new authorization. To meet the new standards, firms must demonstrate they meet requirements covering consumer protection, safeguarding of customer assets, market integrity, and financial resilience.