FCA Crypto Authorisation Gateway Opens
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) opened its authorisation gateway for cryptoasset firms yesterday, and firms that intend to keep operating in the UK should apply by 28 February 2027. The gateway runs under the final crypto rules and guidance the regulator published in June 2026. The regime itself comes into force on 25 October 2027.
Existing firms that apply within the application period can keep providing cryptoasset services, including taking on new business, while the FCA assesses their application, if no decision has been made before the regime starts. The FCA said it expects to determine applications submitted in that period before the regime comes into force.
Authorisation is not automatic. The FCA will assess applicants on consumer protection, safeguarding of customer assets, market integrity and financial resilience. Firms that do not meet the standards will not be authorised and cannot offer regulated cryptoasset services in the UK. Until now the regulator’s role in crypto was mainly anti-money laundering registration and financial promotions, and the full scope of regulated activities expands from 25 October 2027. The regime rests on the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2026, which Parliament passed on 4 February 2026.
Firms can request a pre-application support meeting, and the FCA is running webinars. Dominic Cashman, director of authorisation at the FCA, said:
The UK’s new crypto regime will give consumers greater protections and firms a clear framework to operate in. Firms can now apply for authorisation and start preparing for regulation.
Dominic Cashman, director of authorisation, FCA
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 4 February 2026 | Cryptoassets Regulations 2026 passed by Parliament |
| June 2026 | FCA publishes final rules and guidance |
| 30 September 2026 | Authorisation gateway opens |
| 28 February 2027 | Date by which firms intending to continue should apply |
| 25 October 2027 | Regime comes into force |
Source: FCA press release, FCA opens the gateway to regulated crypto
