FCA Proposes Applying Existing Handbook Rules to UK Crypto Activities ∞ Regulation

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Briefing

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued Consultation Paper 25/25, outlining its strategy to integrate existing Handbook rules and guidance into the regulation of cryptoasset activities, effective next year. This action establishes a “same risk, same regulatory outcome” principle, demanding that digital asset firms meet comparable standards to traditional financial entities, particularly in areas like governance, operational resilience, and financial crime prevention. The consultation period for key chapters concludes on October 15, 2025, with final rules anticipated in 2026, marking a critical step toward a more mature and secure UK digital asset market.

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Context

Prior to this action, the UK digital asset sector navigated a fragmented regulatory landscape, characterized by a registration regime focused primarily on Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. This environment presented significant legal ambiguity regarding broader prudential, conduct, and operational standards, creating inconsistent compliance challenges for firms and leaving gaps in consumer protection and systemic risk management. The absence of a comprehensive framework hindered the industry’s ability to achieve full regulatory legitimacy and scale effectively within the UK.

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Analysis

The FCA’s CP25/25 directly impacts firms’ core compliance frameworks by extending established regulatory principles such as Threshold Conditions, Principles for Businesses, and the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR) to cryptoasset activities. This necessitates a re-architecture of internal governance, risk management, and accountability structures to align with traditional finance expectations. Firms must enhance their operational resilience systems, including robust business continuity plans and scenario testing, to mitigate technology-specific risks like cyber-attacks. Furthermore, the application of the Consumer Duty will compel firms to prioritize client outcomes, influencing product structuring, marketing guidelines, and complaint handling processes to a higher standard.

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Parameters

Regulatory Authority ∞ UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Consultation Paper ∞ CP25/25 ∞ Application of FCA Handbook for Regulated Cryptoasset Activities
Publication Date ∞ September 17, 2025
Jurisdiction ∞ United Kingdom
Targeted Entities ∞ Cryptoasset firms conducting regulated activities
Core Principle ∞ “Same risk, same regulatory outcome”
Comment Deadlines ∞ October 15, 2025 (Chapters 6-7), November 12, 2025 (Chapters 1-5)
Final Rules Expected ∞ 2026

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Outlook

This consultation represents a pivotal phase in the UK’s strategy to establish a robust regulatory perimeter for digital assets, moving towards implementation of a comprehensive framework in 2026. The emphasis on operational resilience and consumer protection sets a clear precedent for how innovation must be balanced with market integrity. Industry participants should actively engage with the consultation process to shape the final rules, as these will likely influence global regulatory harmonization efforts and determine the UK’s competitive positioning as a hub for responsible digital asset innovation.

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Verdict

The FCA’s CP25/25 signifies a definitive shift towards embedding digital asset activities within established financial regulatory paradigms, mandating a systemic uplift in compliance and operational standards essential for industry maturation.

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