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ARTICLE · 15 OCTOBER 2026

High Stakes: UK Cryptoasset Regulation

Farrer & Co
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The UK's cryptoasset regulatory landscape is undergoing a major transformation with new FCA rules taking effect in October 2027. Firms engaging in activities like stablecoin issuance, safeguarding, and trading platforms must now navigate authorisation requirements, with an application gateway open until February 2027.

United KingdomFinance and Banking
Grania Baird
Grania Baird
Jeremy Evans
Jeremy Evans
Nandini Sur
Nandini Sur
The current UK cryptoasset regulation is somewhat piecemeal and limited. This will change in October 2027 when the new regulatory regime comes into force for cryptoassets. As of 30 September 2026, firms can start applying for FCA authorisation for the new regulated activities relating to cryptoassets.

The government has legislated for a new financial services regulatory framework for cryptoassets to support safe innovation and help improve consumer protection. As part of this, in February 2026, the government introduced The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2026 (the Cryptoasset Regulations), which ushers in a new regulatory regime for cryptoassets.

In June 2026, the FCA published the majority of its finalised rules and guidance. The authorisation gateway is now open, until the end of February 2027. If firms apply for authorisation during this period they may benefit from savings provisions under which they would be able to engage in

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