FCA crypto regulation – new item in the UK-US financial co-lab

If you ask Nikhil Rathi, the new chief executive, FCA crypto regulation may become a new item on its agenda. According to him, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has some severe intentions to strengthen cross-border crypto-asset regulation.

David Hamilton of Pinsent Masons commented on Rathi’s recent speech on how the US and the UK had “agreed to deepen ties”, regarding financial development. He also added that both countries were “exchanging views on crypto-asset regulation and market developments”.

“Intensive dialogue between our nations is essential to ensure we deliver consistent outcomes,” said Rathi. He added that since the UK had left the European Union, it got the rare opportunity to connect its regulation to today’s market challenges.

Rathi also confirmed FCA primarily invested in data and technology, and kept scanning 100,000 websites for fraud on a daily level.

“The US and UK will deepen ties on crypto-asset regulation and market developments – including relation to stablecoins and the exploration of central bank digital currencies,” Rathi concluded.

FCA crypto regulation to be more innovative

Recently, the UK, US and Singapore launched the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) governance body on DeFi and crypto market integrity risks.

Hamilton commented that Rathi’s speech was vital, especially if viewed in the context of the G20 Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) announcement earlier this month on establishing a new regulatory framework for crypto supervision.

Hamilton also added that Rathi’s speech showed just how important it is for companies to have adequate policies and procedures to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations. Rachael Preston of Pinsent Masons asserted the speech shows FCA’s intention to become an essential player of the regulatory game.

“Expect to see a more collaborative, innovative and adaptive style of supervision in the future, with the FCA continuing to push the boundaries of the role of a financial regulator in modern society,” Preston said.

She also added that technology solutions will play a substantial leading role in the FCA’s transformation plans, and will be a key factor regarding its effectiveness.

“The question is whether such an approach can deliver the right outcomes to what is an ever more complex, nuanced and user experience-led market,” Preston said.