pc
nid 93606
Jul 02, 2026
csoo@vixio.com
United Kingdom
Financial Conduct Authority
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1956 charsUnited Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority Publishes Finalised Guidance on Consumer Duty Application to Cryptoasset Firms
On June 30, 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published finalised guidance (FG26/5) explaining how cryptoasset firms should apply the Consumer Duty to their operations. The Consumer Duty requires firms to act to deliver good outcomes for all customers, including those in vulnerable circumstances.
The guidance addresses the unique characteristics of cryptoasset markets, including distribution structures involving overseas product manufacturers, unfamiliar terminology for retail customers, and the high volatility and complexity of cryptoasset products. The FCA issued this guidance under section 139A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) to supplement the Final non-Handbook Guidance for firms on the Consumer Duty (FG22/5).
The guidance establishes three cross-cutting rules: firms must act in good faith towards retail customers; avoid causing foreseeable harm; and enable and support customers to pursue their financial objectives. It then details four outcomes: products and services must be designed for defined target markets; price and value must be fair; consumer understanding must be supported through clear communications; and consumer support must be accessible and responsive.
The FCA clarifies that different firm types—manufacturers, distributors, and UK Qualifying Cryptoasset Trading Platform operators—have distinct responsibilities. Distributors must take reasonable steps to understand products and risks even where manufacturers are unregulated or unknown. Transactions on UK QCATPs are exempt from the Duty, though other operator interactions with retail customers remain subject to it. The guidance emphasises that while firms need not prevent all harm, they must address reasonably foreseeable risks and avoid exploiting customer vulnerabilities or lack of understanding. The guidance includes illustrative examples of good and poor practices across all four outcomes to assist firms in compliance.
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1958 charsUK's Financial Conduct Authority Publishes Finalised Guidance on Consumer Duty Application to Cryptoasset Firms
On June 30, 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published finalised guidance (FG26/5) explaining how cryptoasset firms should apply the Consumer Duty to their operations.
The Consumer Duty requires firms to act to deliver good outcomes for all customers, including those in vulnerable circumstances. The guidance addresses the unique characteristics of cryptoasset markets, including distribution structures involving overseas product manufacturers, unfamiliar terminology for retail customers, and the high volatility and complexity of cryptoasset products.
The FCA issued this guidance under section 139A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) to supplement the Final non-Handbook Guidance for firms on the Consumer Duty (FG22/5). The guidance establishes three cross-cutting rules:
Firms must act in good faith towards retail customers.
Avoid causing foreseeable harm.
Enable and support customers to pursue their financial objectives.
It then details four outcomes: products and services must be designed for defined target markets; price and value must be fair; consumer understanding must be supported through clear communications; and consumer support must be accessible and responsive.
The FCA clarifies that different firm types—manufacturers, distributors, and UK Qualifying Cryptoasset Trading Platform operators—have distinct responsibilities. Distributors must take reasonable steps to understand products and risks even where manufacturers are unregulated or unknown.
Transactions on UK QCATPs are exempt from the Duty, though other operator interactions with retail customers remain subject to it.
The guidance emphasises that while firms need not prevent all harm, they must address reasonably foreseeable risks and avoid exploiting customer vulnerabilities or lack of understanding. The guidance includes illustrative examples of good and poor practices across all four outcomes to assist firms in compliance.