The New UK Crypto Regime: Navigating FCA Authorisation and Compliance

The UK's cryptoasset regulatory framework is entering a new phase, with the introduction of a comprehensive authorisation regime under the Financial Services and Markets Act. Firms operating crypto exchanges, custody services, stablecoin arrangements, staking products, tokenisation platforms, and other digital asset businesses must now navigate a significantly expanded regulatory perimeter, alongside new prudential, governance, financial crime, and operational resilience requirements. As the framework develops, understanding how the rules apply in practice will be critical to launching, scaling, and operating cryptoasset businesses in the UK.

This session examines the practical legal implications of the UK's emerging cryptoasset regime, focusing on FCA authorisation, regulated activities, governance expectations, market integrity obligations, and compliance frameworks. Participants will explore how firms can assess regulatory scope, structure compliant business models, manage cross-border considerations, and respond to the evolving legal landscape for digital assets and tokenised financial products.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The UK's new cryptoasset regulatory framework
• FCA authorisation requirements
• Regulated cryptoasset activities under FSMA
• Stablecoins and payment-related cryptoassets
• Custody, exchanges, and trading platforms
• Tokenisation and real-world assets
• Staking and decentralised finance (DeFi)
• Governance, operational resilience, and financial crime controls
• Cross-border regulatory considerations
• Market abuse and market integrity obligations
• Building effective compliance frameworks
• Future developments in UK crypto regulation