UK crypto regime — not MiCA
The United Kingdom is outside the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. If you have UK customers or carry on cryptoasset activity in the UK, you need a separate path from MiCA authorisation. This page is unofficial information only — not legal advice.
Strong disclaimer. Unofficial · Independent · Not affiliated with ESMA, EBA, the EU, or any NCA · Information only, not legal advice. Always verify on ESMA. Nothing here is FCA-approved guidance. Always verify with the FCA handbook, MLR text, and qualified UK counsel.
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The divide in one screen
EU / EEA
- MiCA CASP / issuer authorisation
- Home NCA + ESMA registers
- EEA passport for authorised CASPs
- July 2026 grandfathering cliff for transitional firms
United Kingdom
- FCA cryptoasset registration (MLRs) for many exchange/custody businesses
- Strict financial promotions rules for crypto marketing
- Future FSMA cryptoasset authorisation regime in development
- No MiCA passport into or out of the UK
Who should use this UK path
- Firms serving UK retail or professional crypto customers
- Businesses with a UK establishment carrying on exchange or custody of cryptoassets
- Groups marketing cryptoassets into the UK (promotions regime)
- EU-authorised firms that also want UK market access — you still need a UK workstream
UK requirements diagnostic
Answer a few questions for a high-level UK-focused checklist. Unofficial — not an FCA application and not legal advice.