Code is not a shield: the FCA's draft crypto map covers DeFi, comments due November 18
The UK regulator wants views by November 18, 2026, on draft guidance about when DeFi, stablecoin payments, market making and tech services need a license. Using smart contracts does not settle the question on its own.
One year in the High Court: HTX settles with the FCA and promises to stop UK ads
HTX, formerly Huobi, has given court-backed undertakings not to unlawfully promote its crypto services to UK consumers, the UK regulator says. The case began in October 2025 and ended with a confidential settlement, no admission of wrongdoing and no announced fine.
UK crypto firms have until February 28 to apply. The FCA says no license is automatic
Every crypto firm that wants to keep serving UK customers after October 25, 2027, now needs full FCA authorization. The window opened on September 30, 2026, and firms that miss its February 28 close risk losing the right to sign up new customers.
In or out? The FCA's crypto license map landed two weeks before UK firms could apply
Policy statement PS26/18 tells crypto firms which activities will need FCA authorization under the UK's new regime. Firms that miss the February 28, 2027, application deadline may have to stop trading, and one stablecoin question is still open.