Published on
July 3, 2026
FCA finalizes UK cryptoasset regulatory regime
FCA finalises UK cryptoasset rules, setting requirements, deadlines, and transitional arrangements for firms.
The Financial Conduct Authority has published its final policy statements for regulating cryptoasset firms in the UK, completing more than three years of consultations and policy work and marking a major expansion of the regulator’s oversight.
The package, released on 30 June 2026, sets out what the FCA described as an end-to-end framework for cryptoasset activities. The regime is based on the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2026, which was enacted on 4 February 2026.
Five policy statements set the framework
The new rules and guidance are contained in five main policy statements:
- PS26/9 – Admissions and Disclosures (A&D) and Market Abuse Regime for Cryptoassets (MARC)
- PS26/10 – Stablecoin Issuance
- PS26/11 – Regulated Cryptoasset Activities
- PS26/12 – A Prudential Regime for Cryptoasset Firms
- PS26/13 – Application of the FCA Handbook to Regulated Cryptoasset Activities
Under the new regime, authorized cryptoasset firms will need to meet financial resilience requirements, including holding adequate capital and carrying out stress testing. The FCA also set out market integrity measures aimed at conduct in the sector.
Existing FCA handbook obligations will also apply to regulated cryptoasset activities, including the Consumer Duty, SM&CR, operational resilience and financial crime frameworks.
sbb-itb-e766981
Authorization timeline set for 2026 and 2027
The authorization requirement for the full range of newly regulated cryptoasset activities will take effect on 25 October 2027.
Firms that need authorization can apply to the FCA between 30 September 2026 and 28 February 2027. The source article states that existing authorizations and registrations with the FCA under the Financial Service and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), the Money Laundering Regulations, or authorizations under the Payment Services Regulations or Electronic Money Regulations will not automatically convert to allow firms to carry out the newly regulated cryptoasset activities.
Transitional arrangements depend on applying on time
Firms that file an application during the set window will be able to rely on savings and transitional provisions, allowing them to continue specified activities while the FCA reviews their application.
But the source article says firms that miss the deadline will lose access to those transitional arrangements and may have to stop carrying out relevant activities until authorization is granted.
That makes the application window a key part of the rollout of the new UK cryptoasset regime, as firms prepare for the 25 October 2027 start date for the full authorization requirement.
