🇬🇧 The UK has opened FCA authorisation for crypto firms

The FCA opened its authorisation gateway: crypto firms can now apply for full authorisation from the UK regulator for the first time.

The timeline is tight:
🔵 apply by 28 February 2027
🔵 the regime takes effect on 25 October 2027

That leaves roughly five months to prepare a window the FCA itself calls short relative to the documentation involved.
What the regulator assesses: consumer protection, safeguarding of client assets, market integrity, financial resilience, and meeting FCA authorisation standards. The regime covers trading platforms, custody, dealing, arranging transactions, staking and stablecoin issuance.

Two points not to miss. First: an existing AML registration (held by 60+ firms) does not automatically convert into authorisation — the process starts fresh, and approval isn't guaranteed. Second: firms that apply on time can expect a decision before the regime begins. Late applicants get no such protection.

The wider meaning goes beyond procedure. The UK is bringing crypto inside its established financial system — the path the EU took via MiCA. In major jurisdictions, the era of operating at the edge of regulation is closing.

✉️ @PfserBot