UK Crypto Regime Opens Application Window as Deadline Looms

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is opening its application window for Britain's new crypto regime on September 30, giving firms until February 28, 2027, to submit their applications.

The new regulatory framework will take effect on October 25, 2027, and requires companies carrying out activities within the regulated perimeter to obtain relevant FCA authorisation.

Currently, many UK crypto companies interact with the FCA through the country's anti-money-laundering registration framework, but under the new regime, they will be assessed as authorised financial businesses rather than merely appearing on a crypto AML register.

The FCA has been offering pre-application support ahead of the gateway opening and warns that smaller firms may face a harder decision: building compliance operations to become authorised, restructuring their services, or leaving the UK market.