Binance Eyes UK Return Under New FCA Crypto Regime

Binance is preparing another push into the United Kingdom under the Financial Conduct Authority’s new crypto regime, according to The Telegraph.

The exchange reportedly plans to apply for authorization after the FCA opens applications on Sept. 30, 2026. A successful application would give Binance a route back into regulated U.K. crypto activities after years of regulatory friction.

Binance Plans Application Under New FCA Crypto Regime

According to the report, Binance plans to apply for the UK crypto license when the FCA opens its application window on September 30. The FCA had released new crypto rules in June that will take effect from October 25, 2027.

Under the rules, all firms are required to register under the new regime between September 30, 2026, and February 28, 2027. It is unclear how Binance intends to meet the requirements under the new regime, which include a requirement that a crypto firm have a UK base.

However, the report noted that Binance will establish a board in the UK to meet these requirements. Still, there are other requirements, including the exchange showing that it is fit and proper and has the resources to comply with UK financial laws.

While resources may not be Binance’s problem given its status as the world’s largest exchange, it is unclear how the FCA will treat its application, given its history in the country.

The UK FCA banned Binance in 2021, claiming that it cannot be effectively supervised due to the international nature of its operations. Binance continued advertising to UK users until  2023, when the FCA restricted its adverts.

U.S. Binance Case Remains Part of Compliance Record

Binance also carries a major U.S. enforcement history. The exchange pleaded guilty in November 2023 to violations involving the Bank Secrecy Act, money-transmission rules and U.S. sanctions law. Binance agreed to pay about $4.3 billion to resolve the U.S. case.

Founder Changpeng Zhao separately pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program.

The case became one of the largest criminal resolutions involving a cryptocurrency company.

Binance subsequently expanded its compliance operations under Chief Executive Officer Richard Teng.

However, regulatory scrutiny has continued. The Wall Street Journal reported in March that U.S. authorities were examining Iran-linked use of Binance to evade sanctions.

The newspaper said investigators had contacted people with knowledge of the transactions.

However, the report did not establish that the Justice Department was investigating Binance itself for misconduct. That distinction matters when assessing the company’s current regulatory position.

FCA Authorization Remains the Main Test

The U.K. authorization process could become an important test of Binance’s compliance overhaul.

The FCA’s application window starts Sept. 30 and runs through Feb. 28, 2027.

Firms that receive authorization will face new conduct, governance, prudential and consumer-protection requirements when the regime starts.

Binance therefore faces more than a procedural licensing exercise.

The FCA will assess whether its current corporate structure and controls address concerns raised during earlier supervision.

A successful authorization would reopen regulated U.K. activities under a broader framework.

A rejection would extend Binance’s regulatory difficulties across another major European market.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Crypto assets can experience sharp price movements.