The UK cryptoasset regime, from final rules to commencement on 25 October 2027
What must a UK-facing cryptoasset firm do, and by when?
5 records since 1 March 2026 · last moved 21 October 2026 · next 18 November 2026
The matter file · as at 26 October 2026
The FCA's authorisation gateway for cryptoasset firms opened on 30 September 2026. A firm that wants to keep operating in the UK should apply by 28 February 2027. The regime comes into force on 25 October 2027, when cryptoasset activity comes within FSMA. Existing registrations under the Money Laundering Regulations do not convert.
How it got here, what comes next, the open questions and the reading. Read the matter file ›
Position over time
Each line says where the matter stood on that date, in 25 words or fewer. Step back to see an earlier position; the timeline below fades what came after it.
CP26/36 and GC26/7 consult on perimeter exclusions and decentralised finance until 18 November 2026.
Timeline
- 1 March 2026UKguidanceCrypto & MiCA
The FCA has rebuilt how it states supervisory expectations — and cryptoasset firms are the one sector without a report
The FCA has replaced more than forty portfolio letters with nine annual Regulatory Priorities reports, and wrote none for cryptoasset firms.
Primary source: Financial Conduct Authority ↗ - 30 June 2026 · +121 daysUKregulatoryCrypto & MiCANew
FCA fixes cryptoasset gateway opening: 30 September 2026
The FCA's final cryptoasset regime opens the authorisation application window on 30 September 2026.
Primary source: Financial Conduct Authority ↗ - 4 September 2026 · +66 daysUKregulatoryCrypto & MiCA
FCA consults in CP26/32 on fractional shares and on deferred admission of qualifying cryptoassets
The FCA published CP26/32, Quarterly Consultation Paper No 53, on 4 September 2026, with feedback due by 12 October 2026 for chapters 2 to 8.
Primary source: Financial Conduct Authority ↗ - 30 September 2026 · +26 daysUKregulatoryCrypto & MiCAStage moved
FCA opens the cryptoasset authorisation gateway; the transitional application window closes 28 February 2027
The FCA opened applications for authorisation under the UK cryptoasset regime on 30 September 2026.
Primary source: Financial Conduct Authority ↗ - 21 October 2026 · +21 daysUKguidanceCrypto & MiCA
FCA consults on cryptoasset perimeter guidance and on how its rules apply to decentralised finance
On 21 October 2026 the FCA published two consultations, both closing on 18 November 2026.
Primary source: Financial Conduct Authority ↗