The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a final consultation on how the Consumer Duty will apply to cryptoasset firms, marking a key step toward a formal regulatory regime for cryptocurrencies in the country. The FCA’s consultation, open for feedback until 12 March 2026, requests views on proposed rules that would require firms engaged in crypto activities to act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm, and support customers in achieving financial goals under the Consumer Duty framework.
The regulator said the proposals are part of the “final step” in its consultation series on crypto regulation, building on earlier proposals to govern how conduct standards, redress and safeguarding requirements will apply to crypto firms. The consultation also covers the FCA’s proposed approach to international cryptoasset firms operating in the U.K. and aims to align crypto oversight with standards used in traditional financial services.
Under the broader regulatory timetable, the FCA plans to open an application gateway for cryptoasset permissions in September 2026, ahead of a target October 2027 deadline for all crypto service providers, including those already registered under anti-money-laundering rules, to obtain formal authorisation. The consultation’s objective is to help ensure that the emerging crypto regime delivers appropriate standards of consumer protection and market trust while recognising that crypto investing carries inherent risks.
The FCA’s work follows legislative developments by His Majesty’s Treasury, which is moving to bring a wide range of cryptoasset activities under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), and reflects the U.K.’s ongoing efforts to create a comprehensive cryptoasset regulatory framework.
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