UK regulators start major consultation on crypto listings, DeFi, and staking

The U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is seeking feedback on proposed cryptocurrency rules under a new regulatory framework.

The watchdog is consulting on areas such as rules for listing crypto tokens, standards for exchanges, market abuse, requirements for brokers and other middlemen, lending and borrowing, decentralized finance (DeFi) and staking, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

The proposals outline a “similar approach” to regulating crypto as in traditional finance (TradFi), echoing the U.K. finance ministry’s Monday announcement of its intention to extend financial services rules to crypto.

The Treasury said it plans to build a regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry by 2027.

Responses to the FCA’s consultation are open until Feb. 12, 2026.

The Bank of England (BOE) has also proposed rules for the oversight of stablecoins, which is also open to consultation through February 2026.

Read More: UK FCA plans to waive some rules for crypto companies: FT