FCA consults on UK crypto rules for exchanges, lending and DeFi
The FCA launched consultations on proposed UK crypto rules covering exchanges, lending, staking, and DeFi until February 2026.Summary
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has initiated consultations across three papers detailing proposed comprehensive regulatory rules for digital asset markets, aiming to balance innovation with consumer protection. These proposals cover crypto trading platforms, intermediaries, staking, lending/borrowing, market abuse, disclosures, and decentralized finance (DeFi), with responses due by February 12, 2026. The goal is to establish a regime that promotes trust and responsible operation, aligning crypto markets more closely with traditional finance through standards for trading integrity and measures against insider trading. David Geale, the FCA's executive director, emphasized that while these rules are being developed, crypto assets remain largely unregulated except for financial promotions and crime prevention. This consultation follows the UK government's plan to introduce legislation by 2027 to fully extend existing financial sector laws to crypto assets.
(Source：Cointelegraph)