The United Kingdom plans to bring the crypto industry fully under its financial regulatory framework, with oversight transferring to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) beginning in 2027, according to the UK Treasury. The policy aims to regulate digital assets in a manner similar to traditional financial products while preserving space for innovation, signaling the government’s intent to strengthen consumer protection and maintain the UK’s position as a global financial hub as crypto adoption continues to rise .
This move signals that the UK wants to stay competitive as a global financial hub, even as crypto adoption continues to grow among everyday users.
Once the new framework is in place, crypto firms such as exchanges, brokers, and digital wallet providers will be supervised by the FCA. This means they will need to meet the same standards as other financial services, including transparency, consumer protection, and operational safeguards. UK officials believe this approach will give businesses clear rules to follow, helping serious players plan for the long term while pushing out bad actors.
With around 12% of UK adults now owning crypto , regulators see this as a necessary step rather than an optional one.
A key reason behind the regulatory push is rising concern over scams and fraud. Recent data shows that losses linked to crypto investment scams in the UK jumped sharply over the past year. By bringing crypto into the regulatory perimeter, the government hopes to reduce these risks and improve trust in the sector. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the rules are meant to create clarity and protect consumers, while also supporting responsible innovation.
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Alongside regulation, the UK has taken steps to formally recognize crypto assets as legal property . Under new legislation, digital assets like Bitcoin can be owned, inherited, and legally recovered. This gives crypto holders stronger legal standing and adds another layer of legitimacy to the asset class.
The FCA and the Bank of England are not waiting until 2027 to act. Both institutions are working on detailed rules covering crypto trading, custody, issuance, and market abuse. The Bank of England has also proposed a framework for stablecoin regulation. Regulators aim to finalize most of these rules by the end of 2026, giving firms time to prepare.
The UK is also looking beyond its borders. Officials plan to work closely with the US through a “Transatlantic Taskforce” to align crypto regulation and support innovation. At the same time, lawmakers are considering banning crypto political donations due to concerns over transparency and ownership.
Overall, the UK’s approach reflects a balancing act between control and growth, setting the stage for a more mature crypto market in the years ahead.
