FCA releases regulatory guidance on crypto assets: authorization applications will open on September 30, 2026

According to the FCA official website, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom has released new guidance on the regulation of crypto assets to help businesses understand the scope and authorization requirements of the future crypto asset regime in the UK. This regime will officially take effect on October 25, 2027, and the application channel for authorization will open on September 30, 2026.

The guidance covers activities such as issuing qualified stablecoins, operating crypto asset trading platforms, trading and matching, crypto asset custody, and staking arrangements. FCA Executive Director David Geale stated that this guidance aims to provide clarity for businesses so they can confidently prepare for regulation. The government has also made targeted amendments to relevant laws, introducing certain exemption clauses and further clarifying provisions for specific technology service providers. The FCA will launch a special consultation in October regarding the aforementioned legal changes, involving topics such as qualified stablecoins, proprietary trading and market making, decentralized protocols, and financial promotions.