The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released its long-awaited crypto rules, which require digital asset firms to get authorization by October 25, 2027. The FCA will accept license applications from September 2026 to February 28, 2027, giving companies time to adjust. The new rules include mandatory licensing, stronger protections against market abuse and insider trading, capital stress tests, and updated rules for stablecoin issuers.
The FCA says the new rules are meant to bring crypto firms up to the same standards as other financial service providers, while still allowing for innovation.
The rules apply to crypto exchanges, custodians, stablecoin issuers, staking providers, and other digital asset businesses in the UK. Companies already registered under the UK’s anti-money laundering rules will still need to apply for new authorization.
The FCA has also made some stablecoin rules simpler by easing reserve requirements, while adding stronger legal protections for customer reserves and clearer rights for redeeming stablecoins.
To help companies get ready, the FCA will start offering pre-application support meetings next month and will hold a policy webinar on July 17. Another policy update is expected in September to explain how different crypto activities fit into the rules.
Looking forward, the FCA plans to start separate consultations on decentralized finance (DeFi) and operational resilience for blockchain businesses later this year. Officials said that projects with no clear operator may not be regulated, depending on the situation.
This new framework is the last step in the UK’s crypto plan and gives businesses more regulatory certainty as the country aims to become a top digital asset hub.
This is a significant moment for cryptoasset regulation in the UK. 📢
Firms supporting people to buy, trade and hold cryptoassets will need to meet clear standards under our new rules and get ready for when they come into effect in October 2027.
Under our rules, cryptoasset… pic.twitter.com/EkNguSKY9l
— Financial Conduct Authority (@TheFCA) June 30, 2026
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