UK Crypto Firms Must Apply for Authorisation by October 2027
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued its final guidance on cryptoasset activities that fall within the new regulatory regime. From October 25, 2027, any firm carrying out regulated activities in the UK will need FCA authorisation.
Activities set to require authorisation include safeguarding cryptoassets, operating a trading platform, dealing in cryptoassets as principal or agent, arranging transactions, and certain staking activities. These cover much of the commercial infrastructure the UK crypto market relies on.
The FCA's guidance emphasizes that substance over branding will be judged. A business marketing itself with particular terminology won't be able to rely on that label for regulatory status. What matters is the underlying activity, and firms must understand exactly what they're doing in regulatory terms.