FCA Seeks Public Input on Crypto Regulation
1min read The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has initiated a significant step towards regulating the cryptocurrency industry by publishing a discussion paper aimed at gathering public feedback. This move is part of a broader effort to shape the future regulatory framework for crypto in the UK, addressing key areas that have been identified as both important and potentially risky.
The discussion paper focuses on several critical aspects of the crypto space, including intermediaries such as exchanges and wallet providers, staking, lending, and borrowing of crypto, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, and the use of credit to purchase crypto. The FCA is particularly interested in understanding whether stricter regulations should be applied, especially in scenarios where individuals borrow money to invest in crypto, a practice that can be highly risky if the market experiences a downturn.
David Geale, the FCA’s executive director for payments and digital finance, emphasized the need for a balanced approach. The goal is to foster innovation in the crypto space while ensuring that consumers are protected and market trust is maintained. The FCA acknowledges that crypto is a permanent feature of the financial landscape and that regulation must evolve alongside it to support its growth without stifling it.
This discussion paper is part of the FCA’s broader Crypto Roadmap, which outlines the timeline and methodology for introducing future regulations. The roadmap includes topics such as market abuse protections, stablecoin rules, crypto custody and safekeeping, and how crypto firms manage their risks. This initiative follows draft legislation from the UK Treasury, which aims to grant the FCA official authority over crypto regulation.
The FCA is inviting feedback from industry experts, crypto users, and the general public by 13 June 2025. After reviewing all responses, the FCA plans to launch a formal consultation later this year. This process aligns with the FCA’s new five-year strategy, which emphasizes smarter regulation, sustainable economic growth, and consumer protection in an ever-evolving financial landscape.
