The UK Financial Conduct Authority published guidance on how the legislation underpinning the country’s planned cryptoasset regulatory regime will be applied. The documents are intended to help crypto companies identify how the rules affect their activities and which services will require FCA authorization.

Authorization applications to open in September 2026

Companies will be able to submit authorization applications from September 30, 2026. The new cryptoasset regulatory regime will take effect on October 25, 2027.

The guidance addresses the issuance of qualifying stablecoins, the operation of cryptoasset trading platforms, the execution of deals and arrangements for their execution, the safeguarding of cryptoassets, and staking arrangements.

David Geale, the FCA’s executive director for consumers, payments and competition, said understanding how the regime applies to a company’s business is a necessary part of preparing for authorization.

“We are building a cryptoasset regulatory regime that firms, consumers, and international partners can trust. Preparing for regulation starts with understanding how this regime applies to your business. This guidance gives firms the clarity they asked for, so they can prepare with confidence,” Geale said.

Further guidance updates planned

The publication continues the FCA’s preparations for the new regime. The regulator finalized rules and instructions in June 2026 and is also holding pre-application consultations and topical webinars to help companies prepare for authorization.

The UK government has adopted targeted legislative changes providing limited exemptions and additional clarification for some technical service providers. According to the FCA, the changes will not affect most crypto companies.

The regulator plans to consult in October on targeted updates to the published guidance that will take the legislative changes into account.

Separately, Ripple received FCA registration for crypto operations in the United Kingdom in early 2026.

Source: Incrypted