Daily Compliance Brief — FCA Sets Crypto Authorisation Perimeter Ahead of New Regime

September 16, 2026

Signal

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published new guidance on September 16, 2026, clarifying how the legislation underpinning the UK’s future cryptoasset regime applies to firms. According to the FCA press release, the guidance identifies activities that may require FCA authorisation.

The guidance covers qualifying stablecoin issuance, cryptoasset trading platforms, dealing and arranging, safeguarding cryptoassets, and cryptoasset staking. The FCA stated that its authorisation gateway will open on September 30, ahead of the regime taking effect on October 25, 2027.

Why it matters

Crypto firms should map their current activities against the FCA’s regulatory perimeter and identify services that may require authorisation.

Compliance functions should also assess whether governance, financial crime controls, safeguarding arrangements, and regulatory reporting processes are aligned with the activities expected to fall within the new regime.