The Financial Conduct Authority has published new guidance designed to help firms understand how existing law will apply to their operations under the future framework.
The guidance clarifies which activities are likely to require FCA authorisation once the regime takes effect, covering areas such as the issuance of qualifying stablecoins, the operation of cryptoasset trading platforms, dealing and arranging deals in cryptoassets, safeguarding cryptoassets, and arranging cryptoasset staking.
Firms will be able to submit applications for authorisation from 30 September 2026, well ahead of the regime’s formal start date of 25 October 2027. The FCA said the guidance was being issued now specifically to give firms enough lead time to prepare their applications and adjust their operations before authorisation opens.
Alongside the guidance, the Government has introduced targeted amendments to the underlying law, including limited exclusions and additional clarity for certain technical service providers. The FCA said these legislative changes would not materially affect the majority of crypto firms, who can continue using the current guidance to prepare. The regulator confirmed it will consult in October on updates to the guidance to reflect these legal changes once finalised.
The publication builds on the FCA’s broader preparatory work for the new regime, including the finalisation of its rules and guidance in June 2026. The regulator said it continues to support firms in the run-up to authorisation through pre-application discussions and dedicated webinars.
FCA executive director of consumers, payments and competition David Geale said, ‘We are building a crypto regime that firms, consumers and international partners can trust. Getting ready for regulation starts with understanding how the regime applies to your business. This guidance gives firms the clarity they’ve asked for so they can prepare with confidence.’
Copyright © 2026 RegTech Analyst
Copyright © 2026 RegTech Analyst
