UK Crypto Regime Timeline: 2020 to 2029

Every key date of the UK cryptoasset regime, from MLR registration in 2020 to the end of the transitional provision.

1. 10 Jan 2020Law

   Crypto Firms Must Register With the FCA Under the MLRs

   Anti-money-laundering registration becomes mandatory for UK cryptoasset businesses.

   Source: FCA, MLRs 2017 official

2. 8 Oct 2023FCA rules

   Crypto Financial Promotion Rules Apply

   Promotions to UK consumers must come from, or be approved by, an authorised or MLR-registered firm.

   Source: FCA PS23/6 official

3. 4 Feb 2026Law

   SI 2026/102 Made

   The FSMA 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2026 create the new regulated activities.

   Source: legislation.gov.uk official

4. 30 Jun 2026FCA rules

   FCA Final Rules and Guidance

   Policy statements PS26/9–13 and guidance FG26/5–7 set the rulebook.

   Source: FCA official

5. 16 Sep 2026FCA rules

   FCA Perimeter Guidance

   PS26/18 sets out which activities fall inside the new perimeter.

   Source: FCA official

6. 30 Sep 2026Deadline

   Application Period Opens

   Firms can apply for FSMA authorisation, or a variation of permission, through FCA Connect.

   Source: FCA, FCA direction official

7. 28 Feb 2027Deadline

   Application Period Closes

   Firms applying by this date benefit from the saving provision if undecided at commencement.

   Source: FCA, FCA direction official

8. 31 Jul 2027FCA rules

   FCA Advises Against New MLR Filings After This Date

   MLR registration applications filed later may not be decided before the regime starts.

   Source: FCA official

9. 25 Oct 2027Deadline

   Regime Starts (Full Commencement)

   Regulated cryptoasset activities require FSMA authorisation. Undecided in-window applicants are saved; late applicants enter the transitional provision.

   Source: SI 2026/102 reg. 1(2) official

10. 25 Oct 2029Deadline

    Transitional Run-off Ends (Latest)

    Firms in the transitional provision have at most two years from commencement to run off existing UK business. Date calculated by VASP Tracker.

    Source: FCA official

Dates from SI 2026/102 and FCA pages. The 2029 date is a calculation (commencement + two years), not an FCA-published date.