Financial Conduct Authority consults on guidance clarifying which cryptoasset activities will be regulated under the UK regime

The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a consultation on proposed perimeter guidance to help firms understand how they may be affected by the UK’s forthcoming cryptoasset regulatory regime, which is due to apply from October 2027. The guidance builds on Parliament’s confirmation of which cryptoasset activities will fall within scope, alongside FCA rules for the wider regime that are due to be published in summer 2026. The consultation seeks feedback on the FCA’s interpretation of regulated activities, including issuing qualifying stablecoin, operating trading platforms, dealing and arranging deals in qualifying cryptoassets, safeguarding cryptoassets, and staking. Ahead of firms being able to apply for authorisation from September 2026, the FCA is also offering application support, including authorisation-focused webinars, with the authorisations gateway opening on 30 September 2026. The consultation closes on 3 June 2026, with a final policy statement due in autumn 2026. Later in 2026, the FCA plans further consultations on decentralised finance guidance, operational resilience guidance for firms using distributed ledger technology, and updates to the Financial Crime Guide relevant to cryptoasset firms.