The FCA's new crypto regime moves into a practical preparation stage this month. Its published timetable schedules the application window from 30 September 2026 to 28 February 2027 for firms seeking to rely on the savings provisions. The expanded regime starts on 25 October 2027. These dates describe a transition process, not a declaration that every firm applying has been approved.
Registration, application and permission are different
An application asks the regulator to assess a firm. Authorisation determines the activities it may carry out under the relevant regime. Existing anti-money-laundering registration and financial-promotion requirements should not be confused with the full future permissions. Customers need to check the actual legal entity and service, rather than relying on a brand's general claim that it is regulated.
Keep the product question separate
Buying an exchange-traded crypto note, holding a coin and leaving money with an intermediary create different contractual relationships. Read who owes you what and how assets are held if the provider fails. For example, a £1,000 investment falling 30% leaves £700 before fees; regulatory supervision does not reimburse that ordinary market loss.
Use the FCA's own firm-checking routes and return to its transition guidance when your provider announces a change. Do not interpret a pending application as a new guarantee of deposit protection or investment returns. A clearer rulebook can improve accountability while crypto markets remain volatile and the precise scope of protection remains product-specific.