UK banks keep crypto limits as FCA regime nears
UK banks have retained widespread restrictions on payments to cryptocurrency exchanges as the Financial Conduct Authority prepares to open its new crypto authorization gateway on Sept. 30. The Financial Conduct Authority has published new guidance to help crypto businesses identify whether their activities will require authorization when the full UK regulatory framework begins on Oct. 25, 2027. The application period is scheduled to run from Sept. 30, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2027. The rules bring activities including qualifying stablecoin issuance, crypto trading platforms, custody, dealing, arranging transactions and staking inside the UKs financial-services regulatory framework. Existing registration under anti-money-laundering rules will not automatically convert into authorization under the new system. Bank payment restrictions sit outside that authorization process. The new framework sets standards for crypto businesses but does not introduce a crypto-specific requirement compelling retail banks to accept payments destined for exchanges. 9 of Top 10 UK Retail Banks Block or Limit Crypto Transactions UK retail banks will not be forced to lift blanket restrictions on payments routed to cryptocurrency exchanges even after the Financial Conduct Authoritys (FCA) comprehensive crypto regulatory regime takes effect in… pic.twitter.com/Zc2THLXHN6 — Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) September 16, 2026 UK banks continue imposing crypto payment limits Restrictions differ considerably across British banks, ranging from









