FCA Launches Consultation on DeFi Guidance, Focusing on Operational Resilience and Financial Crime Risks

According to Consultation Paper GC26/7 published by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the FCA launched a consultation on 21 October regarding non-Handbook guidance for decentralized finance (DeFi). The comment period closes on 18 November, with the final version planned for release in the first quarter of 2027. This guidance does not establish new regulatory requirements. It aims to clarify how existing rules under SYSC 15A (Operational Resilience), SYSC 6 (Compliance and Financial Crime), and the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) apply to regulated firms that use or access DeFi. The FCA stresses that regardless of whether an entity describes itself as "decentralized," authorization or exemption is required if it carries out regulated activities in the UK. The document reveals that from January to August 2026, decentralized exchanges accounted for approximately 14% to 19% of global crypto spot trading volume. In 2025, approximately 8% of UK crypto users acquired crypto assets through decentralized exchanges. According to industry data, cumulative losses from DeFi and cross-chain bridge hacks since 2016 have exceeded $12 billion.