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

Odaily News According to the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the final draft of the crypto asset framework has been released. 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. Under 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 that provide value-added functions such as yield or reward reinvestment will lose their technical exemptions. Furthermore, stablecoin issuers 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.