UK Crypto Rules: DeFi or Die Trying (in 2026)
The UK is entering the final furlong of its cryptoasset regime design, with full rules expected to be finalised this year and implemented by 2027. Because nothing says “urgency” like a timeline that makes a sloth look speedy. HM Treasury’s draft statutory instrument, laid before Parliament in December 2025 (yes, they’re really leaning into this whole “future” thing), creates new regulated activities under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The FCA is getting broad powers over trading platforms, intermediaries, lending, staking, and decentralised finance-basically, everything except your grandma’s knitting circle.


