Regulations

Story: FCA Seeks Input on New Cryptoasset Firm Regulations

By James Thorp

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The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is inviting feedback on proposed rules for cryptoasset firms, marking a significant step in its ongoing regulatory consultations.

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The FCA has outlined its plans on how key regulatory principles, such as the Consumer Duty and conduct standards, will be applied to cryptoasset businesses.

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The aim is to foster a transparent, sustainable, and competitive market that instills confidence among consumers.

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This consultation follows a series of proposals released in December, which laid the groundwork for treating cryptoassets similarly to traditional financial products.

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The FCA is seeking input on several key areas:

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1. Consumer Duty: Guidance on how the Duty applies to cryptoasset firms to ensure they deliver positive outcomes for retail customers.

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2. Redress and Dispute Resolution (DISP): Framework for handling complaints and ensuring consumers have accessible avenues for issue resolution.

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3. Conduct of Business Standards (COBS): Key conduct rules to ensure fairness and transparency in cryptoasset activities.

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4. Credit for Crypto Purchases: Regulations on using credit for buying cryptoassets to mitigate risks associated with borrowing for investment purposes.

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5. Training and Competence: Standards for staff training to ensure that personnel managing crypto services are sufficiently knowledgeable and skilled.

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6. Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR): Classification of cryptoasset firms under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime.

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7. Regulatory Reporting (SUP 16): Data reporting requirements for firms to enable effective risk monitoring and supervision by the FCA.

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8. Cryptoasset Safeguarding: Safeguarding rules for firms conducting multiple regulated cryptoasset activities, with a focus on the custody of investment cryptoassets.

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9. Retail Collateral Treatment in Cryptoasset Borrowing: Guidelines on the treatment of collateral for retail consumers borrowing cryptoassets, aiming to protect their interests.

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10. Location Policy Guidance: Clarification on the expected geographical base for cryptoasset firms to ensure effective regulatory oversight.

The Currency Analytics

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