Regulatory Changes
What changed, when, and what it means for a licence holder. Every entry links to its source.
Upcoming
- UpcomingEuropean Union · Fintech & Crypto · medium impact
PSD3 and Payment Services Regulation indicative plenary vote
The European Parliament's procedure file lists 14 December 2026 as the indicative plenary date for the payment services file, after the committee approved the agreed text in May 2026. Adoption would start the countdown to new authorisation, safeguarding and fraud-liability rules for payment and e-money institutions. Indicative plenary dates can move.
Source ↗ - UpcomingUnited Kingdom · Crypto · high impact
FCA cryptoasset application window closes
This is the last day of the FCA application period for the new cryptoasset regime. The FCA's gateway page sets out how applications made within the window are treated ahead of commencement. Firms that miss it should plan on the basis that they cannot rely on that treatment.
Source ↗ - UpcomingCuraçao · iGaming · high impact
Curaçao local substance requirement takes effect
On 23 January 2026 the Curaçao Gaming Authority announced that the Minister of Justice had granted a general extension of the local substance requirement in Article 5.12 of the LOK, so operators do not need to meet it before 1 April 2027. Licensees should use the time to plan local management, staff and premises.
Source ↗ - UpcomingEuropean Union · Crypto, Fintech & Crypto, iGaming · high impact
EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR) applies
Regulation (EU) 2024/1624 applies from 10 July 2027 and replaces much of the national AML rulebook with directly applicable EU rules on customer due diligence, beneficial ownership and internal controls. CASPs, payment and e-money institutions and gambling operators in the EU will need to update their AML policies and procedures to the Regulation's text.
Source ↗ - UpcomingUnited Kingdom · Crypto · high impact
UK cryptoasset regime expected to commence
The FCA says the new cryptoasset regime is expected to come into force on 25 October 2027, with its final rules applying to firms granted permission under FSMA from that date. Carrying on regulated cryptoasset activities in the UK after commencement will require FCA authorisation.
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Recent
- United Kingdom · Crypto · high impact
FCA cryptoasset application window opens
The FCA opened the application period for firms seeking authorisation under the new UK cryptoasset regime. Firms already carrying on cryptoasset activities that want to continue after commencement should prepare and submit within the window, which closes on 28 February 2027.
Source ↗ - European Union · Crypto · high impact
MiCA transitional periods end across the EU
ESMA confirmed that the last MiCA grandfathering periods expire on 1 July 2026. From that date, any entity providing crypto-asset services to EU clients without MiCA authorisation is in breach of EU law and must have implemented its wind-down plan. Firms without a licence now need a new application or the acquisition of an authorised CASP.
Source ↗ - United Kingdom · Fintech & Crypto · high impact
UK safeguarding Supplementary Regime (CASS 15) in force
The FCA's strengthened safeguarding rules for payment and e-money institutions apply from 7 May 2026. Firms must meet new reconciliation, record-keeping, audit and regulatory reporting requirements for client funds. Applicants should build these controls into their policies and systems before applying.
Source ↗ - Canada · Crypto, Fintech & Crypto · high impact
Canada raises FINTRAC penalties under Bill C-12
The Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) received royal assent and amended the PCMLTFA penalty regime. The maximum penalty for a prescribed violation is now C$20 million for an entity, and FINTRAC says the new framework applies to violations occurring after 26 March 2026. MSBs, including virtual currency dealers, should re-test their compliance programmes against this exposure.
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