UK Crypto Regulation Begins in 2027, With FCA Finalizing Rules This Summer

Investors who put money into crypto in the UK should only do so with funds they can afford to lose until October 2027, when the new regulatory regime comes into force. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has outlined that crypto will be regulated in the UK from that date, with rules to be published this summer. Firms will be able to start applying for authorisation from September 2026, and the FCA is offering support to help them understand the new requirements. Regulated activities will include issuing qualifying stablecoins, operating trading platforms, safeguarding cryptoassets, and staking. Until the regime is in place, crypto remains largely unregulated outside of financial promotions and financial crime controls.