Arranging crypto deals in the UK

Authorisation for firms that introduce or arrange crypto transactions.

Reviewed by Harry Khan, Founder · 10 November 2026

Arranging deals in qualifying cryptoassets is one of the seven activities that need FCA authorisation from 25 October 2027. It covers firms that bring about crypto transactions for others without dealing themselves, such as introducers and front-end apps.

Who needs it

Introducers and referral platforms connecting customers to exchanges or brokers
Apps and wallets offering crypto purchases through a partner
Payment and fintech firms adding crypto buying through a provider

At a glance

Item	Detail
Regulator	Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Permanent minimum capital	£75,000
FCA application fee	£2,820 (category 4)
Application window	30 September 2026 to 28 February 2027
Regime starts	25 October 2027
FCA decision period	6 months from a complete application, 12 from an incomplete one

What the FCA requires

Own funds of at least £75,000, or more under the fixed overheads or K-factor calculation
Reasonable steps to ensure client orders are executed on UK-authorised venues
Conduct, financial promotion and complaints rules
Senior managers based in the UK and an MLRO

How we help

ScopeWe confirm which of the seven activities your business carries on, and the capital and fee that follow.
PrepareBusiness plan, financial projections, policies, wind-down plan and the individual forms for your senior managers.
FileThe application submitted through the FCA’s Connect system inside the window.
AnswerWe handle the FCA’s questions until it decides, then support the first year of compliance.

Get in touch

Tell us where you are and where you want to be.

[email protected]
+44 7563 115980 (phone and WhatsApp)

Further detail

Arranging and financial promotions

Many arrangers are also communicating financial promotions. Crypto promotions to UK consumers must follow the FCA’s financial promotion rules for cryptoassets, and the firm communicating them must be permitted to do so.

Questions

Do introducers need FCA authorisation for crypto?

Yes, where they arrange deals in qualifying cryptoassets for UK customers by way of business.

How much capital is needed for arranging?

A permanent minimum of £75,000, or more where the fixed overheads or K-factor requirement is higher.

What is the FCA fee for arranging?

£2,820, category 4.

We use a partner who is authorised. Do we still need permission?

Often yes. Using a partner authorised only to deal as agent or to arrange does not take your activity outside the regime.

Sources

From the blog

All articles

November 2026