UK Crypto Firms Must Apply for FCA Approval by September 2026
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 11 2026- Implementation Timeline: The FCA has mandated that UK crypto firms must apply for approval by September 2026 to operate under a new regulatory framework set to take effect in October 2027, with non-compliant firms facing operational restrictions that could diminish their market competitiveness.
- Transitional Provisions: Firms that apply during the application window but do not secure approval can continue to operate temporarily, yet they will be barred from launching new services, which could limit their business expansion and potentially reduce market share.
- Compliance Requirements: All existing crypto firms must reapply for permissions under the FSMA, with the FCA emphasizing that prior registrations will not be valid, thereby increasing compliance costs and potentially making the UK market less attractive to certain crypto businesses.
- Legislative Support: The UK Treasury has introduced a bill to align cryptocurrency operations with financial services regulations, expected to take effect alongside the new regime in October 2027; however, critics warn that rising compliance costs could hinder industry growth.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
