LONDON — The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority opened its authorization gateway for cryptocurrency companies on Sept. 30, 2026, with a Feb. 28, 2027 application deadline. The five-month window precedes the new digital asset regulatory framework's Oct. 25, 2027 implementation date.
The regime introduces standards for consumer protection and asset safeguarding. Authorization is not automatic; companies must demonstrate compliance with FCA standards.
Firms already registered under the FCA's anti-money laundering regime may have completed some preparation. Over 60 companies currently hold such registrations.
Zumo, an Edinburgh-based crypto infrastructure platform, secured AML registration in 2021 and has developed a "U.K. Cryptoasset Regulation Tracker" to guide companies through the new requirements. Nick Jones, founder and CEO of Zumo, said the tracker maps each regulatory obligation to the specific regulated activity it attaches to and updates as guidance papers are released.
