UK FCA Sets September 2026 for Crypto Licensing Applications Opening
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 09 2026- Regulatory Framework Clarified: The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced that the formal application gateway for crypto firms will open in September 2026 for at least 28 days, marking a transition from interim registrations to a comprehensive authorization framework, which is expected to enhance market compliance and transparency.
- Transition Period Rules: Firms that submit applications during the September 2026 window will be allowed to continue operating while their applications are reviewed, whereas those that miss the deadline will be restricted to servicing existing contracts only, significantly impacting their future business expansion capabilities.
- New Regulation Implementation Date: The FCA confirmed that the new cryptoasset regime will officially go live on October 25, 2027, at which point only authorized firms will be permitted to provide regulated crypto services in the UK, underscoring the importance of compliance.
- Raising Industry Standards: The new regime will closely mirror standards applied to traditional financial services, requiring authorized crypto firms to adhere to prudential requirements and governance expectations, aiming to integrate cryptoasset activities into the UK's financial framework and promote long-term industry health.
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.
