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pc nid 93838 Jul 08, 2026 csoo@vixio.com United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority horizon scanning
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United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority Publishes Cryptoasset Firm Authorisation Application Guidance

On July 8, 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published public information about the authorisation application form for cryptoasset firms seeking to undertake new cryptoasset regulated activities under the Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA). The document is intended to help applicant firms understand the information they must include with their applications. The FCA structured the application guidance into two broad categories: sections applicable to most firms applying for authorisation regardless of business model or sector, and information specific to cryptoasset firms based on their business model and regulated activities. Application components include firm details and organisation structure, business model and strategy, governance and compliance, and activity-specific requirements. Depending on their intended activities, firms must provide information on issuing qualifying stablecoins, safeguarding cryptoassets, staking, lending and borrowing, intermediary services, and operating cryptoasset trading platforms (CATPs). The guidance specifies that applicants must submit regulatory business plans, financial forecasts, IT self-assessments, compliance frameworks addressing financial crime prevention and money laundering regulations, and policies addressing conflicts of interest, market abuse detection, and consumer protection. The FCA emphasised that the guidance is provided on a best endeavours basis and does not constitute legal advice. The application form structure and content are not expected to change materially, though minor adjustments to question wording may occur. Firms are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of information supplied. The online application system will open on September 30, 2026, when the application period begins. Firms already authorised under FSMA seeking to undertake new cryptoasset regulated activities should use this guidance to understand crypto-specific information required for applications to vary their permissions.

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UK's Financial Conduct Authority Publishes Cryptoasset Firm Authorisation Application Guidance

On July 8, 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published public information about the authorisation application form for cryptoasset firms seeking to undertake new cryptoasset regulated activities under the Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA). The document is intended to help applicant firms understand the information they must include with their applications. The application guidance is structured into two broad categories: Sections applicable to most firms applying for authorisation regardless of business model or sector. Information specific to cryptoasset firms based on their business model and regulated activities. Application components include firm details and organisation structure, business model and strategy, governance and compliance, and activity-specific requirements. Depending on their intended activities, firms must provide information on issuing qualifying stablecoins, safeguarding cryptoassets, staking, lending and borrowing, intermediary services, and operating cryptoasset trading platforms (CATPs). The guidance specifies that applicants must submit regulatory business plans, financial forecasts, IT self-assessments, compliance frameworks addressing financial crime prevention and money laundering regulations, and policies addressing conflicts of interest, market abuse detection, and consumer protection. The FCA emphasised that the guidance is provided on a best endeavours basis and does not constitute legal advice and firms are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of information supplied.