United Kingdom · Licensing guide
United Kingdom: FCA Payments, E-Money and Cryptoasset Registration
How UK firms are authorised for payments and e-money, and how cryptoasset businesses are registered with the FCA.
Last reviewed 23 Oct 2026 by the Fintech Headlines desk against the official sources listed below.
Payments and e-money
Payment institutions are authorised or registered under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, and e-money institutions under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the competent authority.
Cryptoasset businesses
Since 10 January 2020, firms carrying on cryptoasset exchange or custodian wallet activities in the UK must register with the FCA under the Money Laundering Regulations.
Since 8 October 2023, promotions of qualifying cryptoassets to UK consumers fall within the financial promotions regime.
HM Treasury and the FCA are implementing a broader regulatory regime for cryptoasset activities; consult the FCA for the current timetable.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the competent authority or qualified counsel.