The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published final guidance on 16 September 2026 explaining which crypto activities will need its authorisation once the UK’s new cryptoasset regime takes effect. The guidance is Policy Statement PS26/18.
What the guidance covers
The regime rests on the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2026, which create new regulated activities from 25 October 2027. According to the FCA’s announcement, the guidance covers:
- issuing qualifying stablecoins
- operating cryptoasset trading platforms
- dealing and arranging deals
- safeguarding cryptoassets
- arranging cryptoasset staking
Key dates
- 30 September 2026: the authorisation application window opens.
- 28 February 2027: the application window closes for firms wanting to use the transitional arrangements.
- 25 October 2027: the regime comes into force.
What it means for exchanges serving UK users
Two points matter most for platform availability.
Registration is not a licence. Crypto firms today register with the FCA under the money laundering regulations (MLRs). The FCA says existing registrations and permissions will not convert automatically. Registered firms must apply for authorisation if they carry on a regulated cryptoasset activity.
Overseas firms are addressed. The FCA lists overseas firms providing cryptoasset services to UK consumers among the firms that should read the guidance. It says anyone carrying on these activities by way of business in the UK needs authorisation unless an exemption, savings provision or transitional provision applies, and it advises firms unsure how the rules apply to seek independent legal advice.
What changes in our data
Nothing yet. Our United Kingdom rows reflect current registrations, current access and the existing financial promotions rules. We will review UK rows as platforms announce their authorisation plans, and again when the regime takes effect.
What happens next
The FCA says it will consult in October 2026 on related guidance updates, linked to a separate draft statutory instrument covering stablecoins, proprietary trading and technology providers.
Sources
- FCA, Crypto firms get guidance on how the new regime applies, 16 September 2026.
- FCA, PS26/18: Cryptoasset perimeter guidance (PDF), 16 September 2026.
- legislation.gov.uk, SI 2026/102.