Binance to plan UK relaunch with FCA license application: Report
Reported by Cointelegraph · AI-assisted summary by ChikoCorp AI News Desk
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Summary
Binance is reportedly preparing to apply for a license with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to potentially relaunch certain services in the UK by 2027. This plan aligns with new digital asset laws coming into effect in the country. Binance’s UK arm was previously banned from regulated activities, and the exchange stopped onboarding new UK users in 2023 due to FCA financial promotion rules.
Why it matters
The move to seek FCA licensing reflects the upcoming regulatory framework that will impose standards on crypto companies similar to other financial service providers in the UK. The timeframe for applications before the regime becomes active in October 2027 sets clear regulatory expectations for Binance and others. This development indicates an adaptation to evolving legal requirements in one of the world’s key financial markets.
Key context
The FCA announced in June 2021 that Binance Markets Limited was not authorized for regulated activities in the UK, leading Binance to halt new user onboarding in 2023. A new crypto regulatory framework was unveiled by the FCA in June, with companies given from September until February 28, 2027, to apply for licenses before the regime takes effect on October 25, 2027. FCA’s executive director David Geale emphasized the intention to hold crypto firms to standards comparable to other financial services.
Key numbers and entities
The key entities included are Binance, its UK arm Binance Markets Limited, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and FCA executive director David Geale. The deadline to submit license applications is February 28, 2027, with the regulatory framework going live on October 25, 2027.
What remains unclear
Binance has not confirmed or denied the report and declined to comment on possible license applications or its ongoing UK operations. Details on which specific services Binance plans to relaunch or how it will comply with new regulations have not been disclosed.