The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is seeking views around crypto assets as part of steps towards more legislation.
The FCA specifically wants views on intermediaries, staking, lending, borrowing and DeFi, or decentralized finance, according to a discussion paper released today.
The plan, according to the FCA, is to setup clear crypto legislation as a way to boost confidence and support growth in the sector.
This is a first step towards legislation following a draft paper set out by the Treasury on Tuesday. Once passed, this legislation should bring specific crypto activities into the FCA regulation remit.
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"Crypto is a growing industry. Currently largely unregulated, we want to create a crypto regime that gives firms the clarity they need to safely innovate, while delivering appropriate levels of market integrity and consumer protection," said David Geale, executive director of payments and digital finance at the FCA.
"Our aim is to drive sustainable, long-term growth of crypto in the UK," he added. "We’re asking whether we have got the balance right."
This is just one step on the crypto roadmap set out by the FCA. Other parts of that plan include market abuser and admissions and disclosures, stablecoins and custody, and prudential considerations.
As part of the FCA's five-year strategy, from 2025 to 2030, it will focus on smarter regulation to support sustained economic growth. It will also aim to help consumers navigate their financial lives and, as part of that, help to fight financial crime.
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The deadline for taking part and giving views is on 13 June 2025. The FCA will then consult on the final regime once this feedback has been considered, with it due later this year.
Hannah Meakin, partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, told Decrypt that the ask for public input is a good sign.
"The discussion about potential requirements for cryptoasset exchanges demonstrates some creativity and sophistication of thinking about how to balance the multiple objectives of user, industry and regulator," she said. "The branch and subsidiary combination idea is of particular interest."
She went on to say: "The inclusion of considerations around the use of credit for purchasing cryptoassets is [also] notable and arguably reflects the FCA's strong stated commitment to consumer protection and market integrity."
"The FCA is clearly attempting to create a regime that effectively balances innovation with appropriate levels of oversight, yet this is no easy feat and the proof will be in the pudding as to whether they can get this balance right."
Edited by Stacy Elliott.
