Highlights:
The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released new proposals to shape how crypto firms should be treated under financial regulation. A consultation paper published on Wednesday outlines standards that companies will need to meet once oversight formally begins.
The regulator stated that many of the requirements resemble those already applied to traditional finance, such as rules on financial crime controls and operational resilience. However, the FCA also flagged issues specific to crypto markets, opening discussion on whether new obligations are needed.
David Geale, executive director of payments and digital finance at the FCA, explained the purpose behind the consultation. “We want to develop a sustainable and competitive crypto sector – balancing innovation, market integrity and trust. Our proposals won’t remove the risks of investing in crypto, but they will help firms meet common standards so consumers have a better idea of what to expect,” he added.
The FCA is considering whether Consumer Duty, which requires financial firms to treat customers fairly, should also apply to crypto companies. It is also asking for views on how complaints should be handled, including whether people could take disputes to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
David Geale said the new rules will not remove all risks of crypto investing. Instead, they will set common standards so people know what to expect when using regulated firms. The goal is to protect consumers while keeping competition in the market.
The proposals build on earlier work from His Majesty’s Treasury. In April, the government published draft laws to regulate crypto more strictly. These draft laws would bring exchanges, brokers, and agents under the same rules already applied to banks and other financial firms. The aim is to ensure stronger oversight, fairer treatment of customers, and higher standards across the market. The plans also cover issues like licensing, customer protection, disclosures, and anti-money laundering.
In parallel with domestic plans, UK authorities are working with the United States on deeper cooperation around digital assets. The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that Chancellor Rachel Reeves and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had talks on stronger bilateral coordination.
Anonymous sources said the conversation involved both crypto-focused firms such as Coinbase, Circle, and Ripple, as well as traditional finance executives from Citi, Barclays, and Bank of America. The move signals an intention to keep international standards aligned while developing national rules.
The government aims to keep Britain “open for business” while fighting fraud. Together with the FCA’s plans, this signals how crypto rules may develop in 2025. A recent Aviva survey showed that 27% of UK adults are open to including crypto in retirement savings. About one in five respondents reported holding or having held crypto, with two-thirds of them still owning digital assets.

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