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Adding crypto to an existing FCA permission

Already FCA-authorised? Add the crypto activities by variation of permission.

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Reviewed by Harry Khan, Founder · 10 November 2026

Firms already authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act, such as investment firms, brokers and banks, add the new cryptoasset activities by applying to vary their permission, inside the same window to 28 February 2027.

Who this is for

  • Investment firms and brokers adding crypto trading for clients
  • Wealth managers adding crypto custody or staking
  • Banks offering crypto custody or stablecoins

See also: UK investment firm authorisation

What to do before 28 February 2027

  • Identify the activities and the extra capital each needs
  • Update governance, risk management and the responsibilities of senior managers for crypto
  • Extend custody, financial crime and market abuse controls
  • Submit the variation through Connect inside the window

How we help

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

See also: Free readiness checker · Crypto compliance · Crypto licence consultants

Key dates

DateWhat happens
30 September 2026Authorisation window opens
28 February 2027Window closes
25 October 2027Regime starts; unauthorised firms that did not apply must have stopped UK business

Get in touch

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

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

Further detail

What the FCA assesses

The FCA looks at whether the firm can carry on the new activities safely: capital, systems and controls, the people responsible and how crypto risks fit into the firm’s existing framework.

Questions

Do authorised investment firms need a new authorisation for crypto?

No. They apply for a variation of permission to add the new activities.

Is there a separate window for variations?

No. Variations are made in the same window, 30 September 2026 to 28 February 2027.

Does our capital change?

The firm must meet the crypto capital rules for the new activities as well as its existing requirements.

Sources

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