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Binance is reportedly preparing to apply for authorization from the UK Financial Conduct Authority under Britain’s new crypto regime, potentially creating a route for the exchange to restore regulated services for UK customers in 2027.
The exchange has not filed an application or publicly confirmed that it will do so. A Binance spokesperson said the company does not comment on speculation about potential license applications.
FCA Application Window Runs From September 30 to February 28
The FCA will accept applications for the new crypto regime from September 30, 2026, through February 28, 2027. The framework takes effect on October 25, 2027, when firms carrying out covered crypto activities will need FCA authorization.
Existing crypto registrations do not automatically provide permission under the new framework. Firms must apply for authorization under the Financial Services and Markets Act, while already authorized firms may need to vary their existing permissions.
The FCA says it expects to determine applications submitted during the designated window before the regime begins, although saving provisions apply in some cases where a decision remains outstanding.
Binance Has Lacked UK Authorization Since May 2023
The FCA imposed restrictions on Binance Markets Limited in June 2021, preventing the entity from conducting regulated business in the UK. Binance later requested cancellation of its unused FCA permissions, which was completed on May 30, 2023.
The FCA said after the cancellation that Binance Markets Limited was no longer authorized and that no other Binance Group entity held UK authorization or registration for regulated business.
Binance then stopped accepting new UK users in October 2023 after the FCA restricted Rebuildingsociety.com, the authorized firm that had been approving Binance’s UK financial promotions. Existing eligible UK users retained access to their available services, but Binance stopped offering new products during the restriction.
Any Binance UK Return Depends on Fresh FCA Approval
Under the new framework, crypto trading platforms, custodians, intermediaries, stablecoin issuers and firms arranging staking will require FCA authorization for covered UK activities.
For Binance, the next confirmed regulatory milestone is the September 30 opening of the application gateway. Until the exchange files an application and receives the required permissions, a regulated UK return remains a reported plan rather than an authorized relaunch.
