Recent reports suggest that crypto firms are turning away from the UK due to the burdensome and time-consuming regulatory processes. The Financial Times highlights a significant decrease in registrations for crypto asset exchanges and custodian wallet providers with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by law firm Reed Smith revealed that between May 2023 and April 2024, the FCA received only 29 registration applications, showcasing a sharp decline from previous years. The slow and complex approval process, with an average time of 459 days, has led to growing frustration within the industry.
The extended approval times have prompted many crypto firms to seek more efficient regulatory environments abroad. With the FCA only approving around 15% of applications since 2020, critics argue that the stringent criteria and rigorous scrutiny make the UK an unattractive destination for crypto businesses.
The trend of firms withdrawing their applications over the past three years, although decreasing in the last year, highlights the challenges posed by the FCA’s regulatory approach. Many companies feel that the UK is applying outdated regulatory frameworks that hinder innovation and drive firms to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions, threatening the country’s ambitions to become a global hub for digital assets.
While the FCA defends its cautious approach, emphasizing market integrity and consumer protection, the industry’s growing frustration suggests that significant reforms are necessary. Without changes to the regulatory processes, the UK risks losing its competitive edge in the global crypto market.
The crypto industry’s shift away from the UK signals a need for more efficient and innovative regulatory frameworks to support growth and development. Crypto businesses are increasingly seeking jurisdictions with clearer and more streamlined processes, posing a challenge to the UK’s position in the global digital assets market.
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