Podcast Plus: Crypto under the FCA – Special edition - Authorisation

Our podcast mini-series on ‘Crypto under the FCA’ examines the FCA’s highly anticipated policy statements published on June 30, 2026, which collectively shape the new regulatory regime for cryptoassets in the United Kingdom. In this episode we unpack the authorisation process — what firms need to know, where the pitfalls lie, and how the FCA is approaching applications in practice.

This special edition features Val Smith, the FCA’s Head of Department for Payments and Digital Assets Authorisation. In the course of the discussion, Val outlines the regulator’s expectations and how firms can best present their applications.

Listen to this episode here.