UK FCA Cracks Down on Illegal Crypto Operations, Tightens Rules

WHO:

CoinDesk - The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), tax authorities, and police are involved in the crackdown on illegal crypto operations.

WHAT:

CoinDesk - The UK FCA conducted raids on three illegal peer-to-peer crypto businesses.

Cointelegraph - The FCA set new guidance for crypto authorization ahead of an application window.

WHERE:

CoinDesk - The raids took place in the United Kingdom.

WHEN:

Cointelegraph - The application window for crypto authorization is set to open in September.

WHY:

CoinDesk - The actions signal an end to "light-touch" crypto regulation in the UK.

HOW:

CoinDesk - The FCA, along with tax authorities and police, executed coordinated raids on the illegal businesses.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 17:02 UTC)

The UK Financial Conduct Authority, along with tax authorities and police, has launched a crackdown on illegal crypto operations by conducting raids on three peer-to-peer crypto businesses. This action marks a significant shift away from the previously "light-touch" regulation of cryptocurrencies in the UK, as the FCA also prepares to open an application window for new crypto authorization in September. The coordinated efforts signal a more stringent approach to managing the crypto landscape in the country.