Daily Compliance Brief — FCA Opens Authorisation Gateway for New UK Crypto Regime

September 30, 2026

Signal

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) opened its authorisation gateway on September 30, 2026 for firms seeking permission to conduct newly regulated cryptoasset activities. According to the FCA's published gateway guidance, applications opened at 7am and the relevant application period runs until February 28, 2027.

The new regime will require firms conducting in-scope activities to obtain FCA authorisation under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The FCA states that existing registrations under the Money Laundering Regulations do not convert automatically into the new permissions.

Why it matters

Cryptoasset firms should assess whether their current activities fall within the new regulatory perimeter and establish a documented plan for authorisation, including governance, systems, controls, and regulatory reporting requirements.

Compliance functions should also distinguish existing MLR registration from the forthcoming FSMA permissions and review whether current financial crime controls remain appropriate for the firm's proposed regulated activities.