Since January 2020, 291 cryptocurrency companies have sought approval from the UK’s primary financial regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), to operate within the country. However, only 13% of these applications have successfully obtained approval.
On August 11, the FCA responded to a request for information regarding registrations for crypto businesses. The request comprised four questions, and the FCA revealed that out of the 291 applications, only 38 were approved. Many companies (155) voluntarily withdrew their applications, as encouraged by the FCA to reapply once they fulfill all requisite criteria. The FCA emphasized that firms need to furnish specific information, and those failing to do so will encounter a rejection of their applications.
In the UK, companies involved in cryptocurrency activities must either register with the FCA or obtain temporary operating status. Notably, the FCA had previously directed “Binance Markets Limited” to cease its operations within the country and had issued warnings to local crypto ATM operators. The current roster of FCA-registered crypto providers includes 42 entities such as Skrill, eToro, and Gemini.
In July, the FCA reminded all crypto companies in the UK to align their marketing strategies with financial regulations by October 2023. Earlier, the FCA had recommended that crypto firms adopt marketing approaches that afford customers a “cooling-off period” to thoughtfully consider the risks linked with investing in digital assets.
Along with this, the goal of the UK government is to establish a risk-free environment for individuals interested in digital assets. According to a report by Todayq News on April 27, 2023, data indicates that among the top five markets, the UK boasts the fastest-growing crypto industry. The revenue has experienced a substantial 125% year-over-year (YoY) surge, reaching $1.89 billion in 2023.
Observing this significant growth within the crypto industry, the Financial Services and Markets Bill 2023 received Royal Assent in the UK on June 28. This legislation grants governmental oversight over financial services regulations, encompassing crypto assets and stablecoins, thereby enhancing monitoring and management of the digital asset market. The bill’s purpose is to safeguard individuals across the nation who use financial services, advancing a technology-savvy, eco-friendly industry that aligns with the UK’s people and community-oriented objectives.
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