The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued new guidance on how the gateway for the country’s impending crypto-asset regulatory framework will work, as well as what firms must do to continue serving UK customers once the laws go into force.

When the new system takes effect, any firm wishing to engage in regulated crypto-asset operations will require permission under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). This obligation applies not only to new entrants, but also to organizations that have already registered under the UK’s anti-money laundering standards or are authorized under existing payments and e-money regulations.

The FCA emphasized that there will be no automatic conversion for organizations already registered under the Money Laundering Regulations. Before the new regime takes effect, these companies must obtain full FSMA authorization. Similarly, organizations already authorized by the FSMA for other operations will need to change their permits to include crypto services.

To help firms prepare for the transition, the FCA intends to hold information sessions that explain how the regime will work, its regulatory expectations, and the application procedure. The regulator also provides optional, free pre-application meetings through its pre-application assistance service, which allow businesses to discuss their business strategies and prepare higher-quality submissions.

An official application window will open prior to the regime’s commencement. The FCA expects this phase to start in September 2026 and last at least 28 days. Applications filed within this period are expected to be considered before the regime begins. The FCA stated that additional information will be confirmed by formal guidelines published on its website.