Crypto broker authorisation in the UK

Authorisation for firms that execute crypto orders for clients.

Reviewed by Harry Khan, Founder · 10 November 2026

Dealing in qualifying cryptoassets as agent, meaning buying and selling for clients without taking the position, is one of the seven activities that need FCA authorisation from 25 October 2027.

Who needs it

Brokers executing client orders on exchanges
Apps that buy and sell crypto for users through a liquidity partner
Wealth and trading platforms adding crypto for clients

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; the client order K-factor is 0.1%
Execution on UK-authorised venues for retail and elective professional clients
Conduct rules, including the Consumer Duty, financial promotion rules and complaints handling
Custody permission where the broker holds client assets
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

Interposition does not remove the need

Routing UK consumer business through another firm that is authorised only to deal as agent or to arrange does not take an overseas broker outside the regime. Only interposing a firm authorised to deal as principal or to run a platform has that effect.

Questions

How much capital does a UK crypto broker need?

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

What is the FCA fee for dealing as agent?

£2,820, category 4. A firm applying for several activities pays one fee at the highest category.

Do we also need custody permission?

Yes, if the firm holds client cryptoassets or arranges for another firm to hold them.

Is MLR registration enough to continue after October 2027?

No. Money laundering registration does not convert. Apply in the window to rely on the saving provision.

Sources

From the blog

All articles

November 2026