Quick Breakdown
- FCA has cut crypto registration timelines from 17 months to about 5, boosting approval rates to 45%.
- By 2026, UK plans to fully regulate crypto firms under banking-style rules.
- UK and U.S. are in talks on joint oversight of stablecoins and cross-border frameworks.
FCA shortens registration timeline and boosts approval rates amid broader push for global alignment
Regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom are stepping up their crypto oversight, seeking to shed their reputation for sluggish approvals and unclear requirements. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has rolled out a faster, more transparent registration process, cutting timelines from an average of 17 months to just over five, according to a September 22 Financial Times report.
🚀 UK FCA speeds up crypto firm approvals after industry pushback, aiming to balance innovation & regulation. More firms to gain clarity soon! 🇬🇧💸 #CryptoNews #FCA #UKCrypto #Blockchain 🚀
— FUD Breaker (@FUD_Breaker) September 22, 2025
Approval rates on the rise
Since April, approval rates for crypto firm applications have climbed to around 45%, compared with less than 15% recorded over the previous five years. The FCA has strengthened its internal capacity by hiring more staff, offering pre-application meetings, and issuing clearer guidance, enabling a more efficient review process without easing compliance standards.
High-profile players such as BlackRock and Standard Chartered have recently secured approval to operate, reflecting renewed momentum in the UK’s crypto licensing landscape after years of slow progress.
Building a framework for full oversight
The FCA’s acceleration is part of a broader strategy to integrate crypto into the UK’s mainstream financial system. A consultation is underway to bring crypto-asset firms fully under regulatory oversight by 2026. Proposals include applying the Senior Managers and Certification Regime, operational-resilience standards, and strict financial-crime prevention measures already enforced in traditional finance.
These reforms build on draft legislation from HM Treasury earlier this year, which seeks to give the FCA oversight of trading venues, custody providers, and staking operations.
Strengthening US-UK coordination
Alongside domestic reforms, the UK is deepening ties with the United States. Talks between UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are exploring joint regulatory frameworks on stablecoins, shared innovation sandboxes, and measures to ease UK firms’ entry into U.S. markets.
The moves highlight Britain’s bid to secure London’s role as a leading global hub for digital assets, while offering clearer protections for investors and customers.
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