LONDON, March 10 — The UK Financial Conduct Authority plans to publish final rules governing cryptoasset firms this summer, with a regulatory licensing gateway expected to open in September, according to remarks delivered Tuesday by FCA Executive Director for Payments and Digital Finance David Geale at the MoneyLIVE Summit 2026 in London.
Speaking at the industry conference, Geale said the FCA is working to establish a regulatory regime for digital assets that supports innovation while maintaining market integrity and consumer protection.
“We want firms to succeed here, so have been working at pace to build a crypto regime that is proportionate and competitive,” Geale said in prepared remarks published by the FCA.
UK crypto regulatory framework
The FCA said it plans to publish final rules for the UK’s cryptoasset regulatory framework this summer, with a licensing gateway expected to open in September for firms seeking authorization to operate under the regime.
The regulator said the framework is intended to support innovation while maintaining safeguards designed to protect consumers and uphold confidence in financial markets.
The FCA is currently consulting on elements of the proposed crypto regime, with the comment period for its latest consultation closing this week.
Stablecoins and sandbox engagement
Geale also said the FCA continues to explore regulatory approaches for stablecoins, including through engagement with industry participants within the regulator’s Regulatory Sandbox.
The FCA recently hosted a stablecoin sprint bringing together market participants to discuss potential use cases and regulatory considerations.
The regulator is working alongside the Bank of England on the regulatory approach for systemic stablecoins.
International coordination
The speech also highlighted cooperation between UK authorities and international initiatives focused on financial innovation.
The FCA said it is participating in the Transatlantic Task Force for Markets of the Future, which examines financial market innovation including digital assets and capital markets.
UK regulators are also working with the Treasury on broader efforts to modernize payments regulation and support development of what Geale described as a “trusted, world-leading payments ecosystem.”
