UK cryptoasset regulatory regime

July 9, 2026

by Linklaters

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The FCA will open crypto authorisation applications in September 2026, giving firms a year to prepare for the UK’s new regulatory regime in October 2027.

When the new regime starts in October 2027, firms offering regulated crypto activities in the UK will need to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Failing to do so risks breaking the law.

To be ready in time, firms providing crypto services will need to apply for a licence or a change to their existing licence. The FCA will start to receive applications from September 2026.

Our financial regulatory and structuring lawyers have extensive experience advising clients on crypto and other digital assets. This includes supporting crypto businesses to register with the FCA under money laundering rules, comply with financial promotions rules and seek FCA authorisation under the existing regime.

Timeline

Legislation made – 4 February 2026
FCA gateway opens – 30 September 2026
Application period closes – 28 February 2027
Cryptoasset regime starts to apply – 25 October 2027

Regulation

Discussion paper	Consultation paper	Policy statement	Themes
DP25/1: Regulating cryptoasset activities (May 2025)Blog: FCA seeks views on its future cryptoasset regime	CP25/40: Regulating cryptoasset activities (December 2025)Blog: FCA drafts more UK crypto regulation	PS26/11: Regulated Cryptoasset Activities (June 2026)Blog: FCA releases final rules for UK cryptoasset regime	Trading platformsIntermediaries Lending and borrowing Staking DeFi
DP24/4: Regulating cryptoassets – Admissions & Disclosures and Market Abuse Regime for Cryptoassets (December 2024)Blog: FCA takes first step on its crypto roadmap	CP25/41: Regulating cryptoassets: Admissions & disclosures and market abuse regime for cryptoassets (December 2025)Blog: FCA drafts more UK crypto regulation	PS26/9: Admissions & Disclosures and Market Abuse Regime for Cryptoassets (June 2026)Blog: FCA releases final rules for UK cryptoasset regime	Admissions & disclosuresMarket abuse regime for cryptoassets (MARC)
N/A	CP25/15: A prudential regime for cryptoasset firms (May 2025)Blog: FCA proposes MiFID-style capital requirements for crypto firms CP25/42: A prudential regime for cryptoasset firms (December 2025) Blog: FCA drafts more UK crypto regulation	PS26/12: A Prudential Regime for Cryptoasset Firms (June 2026)Blog: FCA releases final rules for UK cryptoasset regime	Own funds – definition and composition of capitalOwn funds requirements Liquid assets requirement Concentration risk Overall risk assessment Public disclosure of prudential information
DP23/4: Regulating cryptoassets Phase 1: Stablecoins (November 2023)	CP25/14: Stablecoin issuance and cryptoasset custody (May 2025)Blog: FCA proposes rules for stablecoin issuance and cryptoasset custody	PS26/10: Stablecoin issuance (June 2026)Blog: FCA releases final rules for UK cryptoasset regime	Requirements for issuing qualifying stablecoinsRegulating custody of cryptoassets
N/A	CP25/25: Application of FCA Handbook for Regulated Cryptoasset Activities (September 2025)Blog: FCA tailors how its rulebook will apply to cryptoasset activities CP26/4: Application of FCA Handbook for regulated cryptoasset activities – part 2 (January 2026) Blog: FCA returns with more detail on how its rules will apply to UK-regulated crypto activities GC26/2: Application of the Consumer Duty to cryptoasset firms (January 2026) Blog: Here are the specifics – FCA sets out the application of the Consumer Duty to regulated cryptoasset business	PS26/13: Application of FCA Handbook for Regulated Cryptoasset Activities FG26/5: Application of the Consumer Duty to cryptoasset firms FG: Cryptoasset operational resilience FG26/7: Approach to international cryptoasset firms Blog: FCA releases final rules for UK cryptoasset regime	High level standards and supervisionSenior management arrangements (SMCR) Training and competence Systems and controls (SYSC) Operational resilience Business standards (COBS) Consumer Duty Redress and dispute resolution Regulatory reporting Retail collateral treatment in cryptoasset borrowing Location policy guidance Cryptoasset safeguarding
N/A	CP26/13: Cryptoasset perimeter guidance (April 2026)Blog: UK FCA drafts cryptoasset perimeter guidance	Due September 2026	Perimeter guidance (PERG)
N/A	GC26/4: Non-Handbook Guidance on COREPRU 7: Overall risk assessment (June 2026)	To follow	Prudential requirements for COREPRU firms
N/A	GC26/5: Non-Handbook Guidance on CRYPTOPRU 7: Overall risk assessment for CRYPTOPRU firms (June 2026)	To follow	Prudential requirements for CRYPTOPRU firms
N/A	CP26/8: Quarterly consultation paper No. 51 (March 2026)Blog: Crypto meets CASS – UK FCA to adapt client asset rules for cryptoassets	PS26/13: Application of FCA Handbook for Regulated Cryptoasset ActivitiesBlog: FCA releases final rules for UK cryptoasset regime	Consequential amendments to CASS 1, 7 and 8
N/A	CP26/17: Quarterly consultation paper No. 52 (June 2026)	To follow	Annual fees and levies for cryptoasset firmsHolding of certain cryptoasset ETNs by authorised funds Approval notifications for QC financial promotions
N/A	CP26/19: Decision Procedure and Penalties Manual updatesBlog: FCA to update penalty policy concerning individuals	To follow	Changes to DEPP
Regulatory regime for systemic payment systems using stablecoins and related service providers (November 2023)	Proposed regulatory regime for sterling-denominated systemic stablecoins (November 2025)Blog: Bank of England consults on UK regime for systemic stablecoins	Sterling-denominated systemic stablecoins (June 2026)Blog: Bank of England updates its policy for UK systemic stablecoins	Backing assetsTemporary issuance guardrail Capital and reserve requirements Safeguarding and trust arrangements Issuance, legal claim and redemption Remuneration and rewards for coinholders Operational resilience Location policy