UK crypto firms urged to learn from Europe’s MiCA licensing challenges

With the FCA's application window set to close on February 28, executives who went through MiCA say slow and unpredictable approvals are the real risk UK crypto firms have a deadline circled in red: 11:59 p.m. on February 28, 2027 . That is when the Financial Conduct Authority’s authorization gateway closes for firms that want to keep running, or start running, regulated cryptoasset businesses under the country’s new regime. The FCA opened its application window on September 30, 2026. That gives firms roughly five months to get their paperwork in.