UK crypto regulation is in the middle of a major change — and the rules that apply to your situation depend heavily on when the conduct in question took place.
Crypto-asset firms must currently register with the FCA under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 for AML/CFT purposes.
Separate rules govern how crypto products can be marketed to UK consumers, with breach itself a criminal offence.
The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2026 bring crypto fully within the FCA’s authorisation regime, in force from October 2027.
Breaching the financial promotion regime can carry up to two years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and investor compensation liability.
Operating a crypto business without the required FCA registration carries real regulatory and potential criminal exposure.
Marketing crypto products to UK consumers without complying with financial promotion rules is a criminal offence in itself.
Foreign authorities pursuing crypto fraud suspects located in the UK typically proceed through the standard extradition framework.
As the UK moves toward full FCA authorisation for crypto, firms operating under the current, lighter-touch regime face a changing compliance landscape.
Not yet in full \u2014 current oversight is largely AML-focused, with full FCA authorisation coming into force from October 2027 under the 2026 Regulations.
Yes \u2014 breaching the financial promotion regime can carry up to two years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Yes, following the same extradition process as any other allegation, provided the underlying conduct is also recognised as a crime in the UK.
Speak with us confidentially before responding to the FCA or a foreign regulator.