The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a guidance consultation on how its Consumer Dutyframework will apply to firms undertaking regulated cryptoasset activities in the United Kingdom.
The consultation paper, titled GC26/2: Application of the Consumer Duty to cryptoasset firms, sets out the regulator’s proposed approach to interpreting Consumer Duty standards in the context of crypto-related products and services offered to UK retail customers.
Regulatory Snapshot
Authority: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Regulatory instrument: Guidance consultation (GC26/2)
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Status: Consultation open
Subject: Application of the Consumer Duty to cryptoasset firms
Scope: Retail-facing cryptoasset activities, conduct standards, consumer outcomes
Consumer duty framework extended to crypto firms
The FCA’s Consumer Duty requires firms to act to deliver good outcomes for consumers, including those in vulnerable circumstances, and to ensure that communications, products, services, and customer support meet robust conduct standards.
The regulator said the guidance is intended to clarify how these expectations apply to cryptoasset activities, given the distinctive characteristics and risks associated with digital asset markets.
Retail conduct standards clarification for cryptoasset providers
The FCA noted that while the Consumer Duty applies to cryptoasset activities in the same way as it does to other financial services, additional clarification is needed in areas such as product design, distribution, price and value assessments, consumer understanding, and customer support.
The consultation document highlights how structural differences between cryptoassets and traditional financial instruments may affect firms’ conduct obligations and the way outcomes are assessed for retail consumers.
Feedback invited ahead of march deadline
The FCA has invited responses from crypto firms, industry bodies, advisers, consumer groups, and other stakeholders. Submissions must be provided by 12 March 2026, according to the consultation timetable.
Part of the UK’s broader crypto regulatory roadmap
The guidance consultation forms part of the FCA’s wider work to develop the forthcoming UK regulatory regime for cryptoasset activities, alongside related proposals on conduct standards, safeguarding requirements, and authorisation expectations.
The FCA continues to plan for a regulatory gateway in September 2026, when firms will be able to apply for permission to conduct regulated cryptoasset activities in the UK.
