# Binance plans UK comeback with FCA license application The crypto exchange aims to relaunch services in the UK by 2027 under new regulatory framework. - **Source:** [Cointelegraph.com News](https://brifing.si/source/2e81e982-0137-4db0-8ac2-351f37085775) - **Published:** 2026-08-17 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a7611cd3-34a5-4c6a-9fbc-cbbec82df2d9 ## Binance's UK comeback plan Binance is preparing to apply for a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) license to restart its operations in the UK. The exchange, barred from regulated activities since 2021, aims to secure approval under new crypto asset laws effective in 2027. According to The Telegraph, the application process will begin soon, marking a significant step in Binance's regulatory compliance efforts. ## Ongoing restrictions since 2021 The FCA banned Binance Markets Limited from conducting regulated activities in June 2021. In 2023, the exchange stopped onboarding new UK users due to FCA's financial promotion rules. Binance currently declines to comment on its existing UK operations. This silence highlights the sensitivity around its regulatory challenges in one of the world's key financial markets. ## New regulatory framework FCA's crypto regulatory framework announced in June gives companies until February 2027 to apply before implementation on October 25, 2027. David Geale, FCA's Executive Director of Payments and Digital Finance, stated crypto firms would be held to similar standards as traditional financial service providers. This move aims to bring crypto into mainstream financial regulation while fostering innovation. ## Licensing process details The FCA maintains strict evaluation criteria for crypto licenses, requiring robust anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) systems. Binance's history of regulatory issues globally makes its application particularly scrutinized. Industry analysts suggest approval could position Binance as a major player in the UK's crypto market, potentially influencing other jurisdictions' approaches to the exchange. ## Global regulatory pressures Binance has faced regulatory challenges in multiple countries including the US, Japan and Italy. In 2023, it settled US investigations with a $4.3 billion penalty. Securing a UK license would mark significant progress in its global compliance efforts. This could create a domino effect, encouraging other regulators to reconsider their stance on the world's largest crypto exchange by trading volume. ## UK's crypto ambitions The UK aims to strengthen its position as a financial hub by implementing clear crypto regulations. The new laws seek to enhance consumer protection while providing innovation-friendly frameworks. FCA's approach mirrors aspects of the EU's MiCA regulations. Experts believe this could make London an attractive destination for crypto businesses seeking regulatory clarity in Europe post-Brexit. ## Industry implications Binance's move may prompt competitors like Kraken and Coinbase to reassess their UK strategies. Coinbase already holds FCA registration for crypto asset activities. The UK's clear regulatory framework could create new opportunities for global exchanges, particularly in attracting institutional investors who prioritize regulated environments. This development may accelerate mainstream crypto adoption in traditional finance circles. ## Market impact and outlook Binance's UK plans could positively influence crypto markets. Successful licensing would enhance its reputation and institutional credibility. However, experts anticipate a rigorous FCA review process given Binance's regulatory history. Approval could significantly boost UK's crypto trading volumes, while rejection might reinforce perceptions of regulatory hurdles facing major crypto firms in established financial markets. ## Sources covering this story - https://cointelegraph.com/news/binance-uk-launch-plans-fca-license?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._