Following the newly launched UK's crypto asset promotion regulations, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has stepped up to provide clarity over how these regulations work.
On November 2nd, the FCA unveiled its "finalized non-handbook guidance" to assist crypto businesses in meeting the compliance requirements set by the recently established promotional rules.
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Furthermore, the document encapsulates the regulatory body's reactions to the feedback received from the industry. Expressing the authority's proactive stance, Lucy Castledine, FCA's director of consumer investments, remarked:
While the new rules for firms marketing crypto to UK consumers are aligned with the existing rules for other high-risk investments, we’ve engaged extensively with industry and designed this Guidance to specifically support crypto firms complying.
Since the announcement of these rules back on June 8th, the FCA has consistently endeavored to guide the crypto sector through various alerts and reminders. They even granted extensions for certain technical deadlines, pushing them to January 8th, 2024.
Despite these interventions, the reception from some crypto market participants has been less than warm. Many announced their exit from the UK market, attributing it to these regulatory changes, and overall compliance has remained notably sparse.
The FCA's latest guidance, which spans 32 pages, isn't about imposing additional obligations but rather explaining its dual goals. While one objective is to underscore the "secondary international competitiveness," the other focuses on setting clear expectations for firms operating within the UK.
For ease of understanding and application, the document is divided into parts. The first part emphasizes the essential elements of the rules and relevant legal directives. In contrast, the latter half meticulously addresses inquiries raised during the consultation process.
It's worth noting that the UK has been actively streamlining its crypto regulatory framework. On September 1st, the country adopted the Financial Action Task Force's Travel Rule. Moreover, the following year is set to witness the introduction of legislation explicitly targeting stablecoins.
The FCA's latest intervention underscores its commitment to facilitating a coherent and transparent regulatory landscape for crypto businesses in the UK. With the unveiling of this comprehensive guidance, it's evident that the authority seeks a harmonious blend of fostering innovation while ensuring robust consumer protection.
