The UK government has set an expected start date of 25 October 2027 for its new regulatory regime for cryptoassets, marking the next step in bringing the sector into the financial regulatory perimeter, according to the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
HM Treasury first published detailed proposals in October 2023 for the creation of a financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets. The proposals set out new regulated activities that would require firms providing cryptoasset services in or to the UK to be authorised and supervised by the FCA.
In December 2025, the government laid the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2025 before Parliament. If approved, the regulations will bring cryptoassets within the FCA’s regulatory remit.
Authorisation needed
In a LinkedIn comment on the announcement, Dina White, general counsel at Zodia Markets, noted that firms carrying out the new cryptoasset regulated activities will need to be authorised by the FCA under FSMA and have permission in place when the regime begins.
White also notes that there will be no automatic conversion to FCA authorisation for firms currently registered under anti-money laundering rules or other financial services regimes. An application period is expected to open ahead of commencement, with transitional provisions available in certain cases.
