🇬🇧

United Kingdom

Europe · Comprehensive

High-conviction conduct-led regime with assertive promotions enforcement.

DAI Methodology v2.1 Last updated Q2 2026

DAI Readiness Score™

86.0

out of 100

Regulatory status

Comprehensive

Primary regulator

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) · Bank of England

Licensing requirements

FSMA 2023 cryptoasset regime; FCA AML registration for VASPs.

AML requirements

MLR 2017 (as amended); Travel Rule in force since Sept 2023.

Travel Rule status

Implemented — Sunrise issues with non-UK counterparties partially resolved via interim approach.

Tax treatment

HMRC: CGT on disposals; income tax on trading and staking rewards.

Consumer protection

Financial Promotions regime extended to cryptoassets (Oct 2023); cooling-off period.

Key legislation

2023

Financial Services and Markets Act

Empowers HMT/FCA to bring cryptoassets fully in perimeter.

2023

Financial Promotions Order amendments

Strict promotions regime with criminal liability.

Recent developments

2026-05-14

FCA fines Albion Stable £28m

Unauthorised stablecoin issuance ahead of full regime.

2026-03-02

Stablecoin and staking SI laid

Statutory instruments operationalise FSMA 2023 powers.

Professional disclaimerGlobal Asset Guide intelligence is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, investment, or compliance advice. Regulatory positions change frequently; verify all material with primary sources and qualified counsel before relying on it for licensing, supervisory, or compliance decisions.