UK FCA go open crypto licensing gateway for Sept 2026, dem say make FSMA authorization by Oct 2027

UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) go open one crypto licence gateway for September 2026 before dem new rule wey go start for October 2027. The gateway window go open for at least 28 days and must close at least 28 days before October 25, 2027. All cryptoasset companies wey dey serve or dey target UK customers (inside UK or outside) must apply for proper authorisation under the Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA). If dem get registration under AML, payment services or e‑money rules before, e no go automatically carry go the new system; companies wey dey rely on another authorised body to approve financial promotions must get direct FCA authorisation. Applications wey dem submit during the gateway suppose make FCA finish process before the new regime start, and companies wey get applications wey dey reviewed fit still operate while FCA dey assess them. Companies wey miss the window still fit apply but dem go enter one restrictive transitional regime when the new rules start: dem fit continue existing services but no fit launch new products, expand services or change offers until dem get authorisation, and processing time fit take longer. To help companies prepare, FCA go run information sessions and give non‑binding pre‑application support; regulator dey advise companies to seek independent legal and compliance advice. For crypto traders, the new regime mean UK go tighten oversight, fit reduce the number of UK‑facing venues and service providers, change product availability and liquidity for UK customers, and increase compliance costs for exchanges, custodians and brokerages — fit affect market access and short‑term trading conditions when the regime start.