The UK Financial Conduct Authority has lifted its prohibition on negotiated products in exchange for crypto for retail investors, from October 2.
However, delays in the prospectus approvals mean that British consumers will face almost a week before being able to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum products.
According to the FT, the regulator started to accept that the prospectus on September 25, just two weeks before the planned launch date, frustrating the leaders of the industry who blame the inadequate preparation time.
The FCA will take days to examine the prospectus of each company and could request other comments, which could delay the launches until at least October 13.
After regulatory approval, the London Stock Exchange must also approve the lists.
The delay comes from the discussions between the regulator and the LSE to know if another exchange segment is necessary for products focused on retail.
This marks the first time that British retail investors can access regulated cryptography products since the FCA implemented its 2021 ban on cryptographic derivatives and ETPs, citing concerns about volatility and fraud.
The FCA has accelerated its examination process, reducing two -thirds approval times since April.
According to a Cryptonews report, five companies, including Blackrock and Standard Charterd, received recordings, raising approval rates to 45% against less than 15% in the previous five years.
The average processing time has decreased from 17 months to just over five months.
However, requests increased from 46 of the year to April 2023 to 26 from the year to April 2025, real approvals from eight in 2022-23 to three in 2024-25.
Industry observers suggest that companies can expect the FCA full regulatory framework, which should be launched in 2026, before continuing approval.
The regulator now offers pre-approval meetings with Case and Round Tables host to clarify expectations concerning registration processes.
On September 17, the FCA opened a consultation on the application of the same regulatory standards to cryptographic companies as traditional financial institutions, establishing reference rules while weighing the sculptures specific to the sector.
From January 2026, cryptographic platforms will have to collect detailed information on customers on each profession, aligning with the framework of World OECD report.
The FCA consults if cryptographic companies should face standards identical to banks, including governance, financial crime controls and consumer protection tasks.
Pending approvals, the United Kingdom and the United States have announced the creation of the Transatlantic Working Group for the future markets during the state visit of President Donald Trump, seeking to strengthen cooperation on the regulation of digital assets and capital markets.
