FCA Releases Crypto Asset Regulatory Guidance; Authorization Applications to Open on September 30

According to the FCA website, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) released new guidance on crypto asset regulation on September 16 to help businesses understand the scope and licensing requirements of the UK's future crypto asset regime. The regime will officially take effect on October 25, 2027, and the authorization application channel will open on September 30, 2026. The guidance covers activities such as issuing qualified stablecoins, operating crypto asset trading platforms, trading and matching, and crypto asset custody and staking arrangements. FCA Executive Director David Geale stated that the guidance aims to provide businesses with clarity, enabling them to confidently prepare for regulatory compliance. The government has also made targeted amendments to relevant legislation, introducing certain exemptions and further clarifying specific technology service providers. In October, the FCA will launch a dedicated consultation on these legislative changes, covering topics such as qualified stablecoins, proprietary trading and market making, decentralized protocols, and financial promotion.