UK FCA Issues Final Draft of Crypto Asset Framework: Custody Exceeding 24 Hours and Automated Permissions to Be Regulated

Odaily reports that the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released the final draft of its crypto asset framework. The new rules are set to bring most crypto activities under the regulatory scope of the Financial Services and Markets Act by October 25, 2027. According to the proposal, any institution holding customer crypto assets for more than 24 hours or possessing the ability to revoke customer permissions will be considered a regulated custodian and must hold a full safeguarding license. Validators and node operators providing value-added functions such as yield or reward reinvestment will lose their technical exemptions. Furthermore, stablecoin issuers operating within the UK must control the entire lifecycle from issuance to redemption. Relevant institutions must submit authorization applications between September 30, 2026, and February 28, 2027.