Binance Plans Return to UK With FCA Crypto Licence Application
Binance will apply for a UK cryptoasset licence when the FCA opens applications on September 30, 2026. The exchange was blocked from UK regulated activities in 2021, and Binance Markets Limited withdrew its permissions in May 2023. New rules under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 require formal authorisation; old anti-money-laundering registrations won't transfer. Governance is a central issue. The firm plans a UK-based board. In November 2023, it paid over $4.3 billion to settle US charges, and founder Changpeng Zhao served four months in prison. UK crypto ownership fell to 8% of adults in 2025, down from 12%. A licence would mark a major step back into a key market.
Key facts
- Binance will apply for an FCA cryptoasset licence once the application window opens on September 30, 2026.
- The FCA forced Binance Markets Limited to stop regulated activities in the UK in June 2021.
- Binance Markets Limited withdrew its UK regulatory permissions in May 2023.
- The new crypto regime under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 requires formal FCA authorisation.
- Binance intends to create a UK-based board as part of its application.
- Binance agreed to pay more than $4.3 billion in a US settlement in November 2023.
- Changpeng Zhao received a four-month prison sentence in 2024.
- FCA data shows UK adult crypto ownership dropped from 12% in 2024 to 8% in 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Changpeng Zhao
Institutions
- Binance
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Binance Markets Limited
- Rebuildingsociety.com
- The Telegraph
Locations
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Iran