Fintech Regulation

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Comprehensive regulation to come with further licensing regimes for crypto advisory and asset management services, in addition to crypto dealing and custody.

By Simon Hawkins and Adrian Fong

On 26 May 2026, the Hong Kong Financial Services and Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) issued consultation conclusions on their legislative proposals to regulate virtual asset advisory (VA advisory) and virtual asset management (VA management) services (Consultation Conclusions).

This follows their December 2025 consultation conclusions on virtual…

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The guidance defines certain regulated cryptoasset activities broadly, potentially placing onerous authorisation obligations on DeFi and web3 user interfaces and wallets.

By Stuart Davis, Gabriel Lakeman, Brett Carr, Cameron Jones, and Imaan Nazir

On 15 April 2026, the FCA published draft perimeter guidance (in CP 26/13) that, if finalised in its current form, could bring a large segment of global web3 interface providers and wallets within scope of UK cryptoasset licensing requirements. The guidance interprets…

The decision clears a legal path for state-level regulation of credit and debit card swipe fees (while striking down data usage restrictions), setting the stage for a high-stakes appeal.

By Arthur S. Long, Jack McNeily, Parag Patel, Barrie VanBrackle, Pia Naib, and Deric Behar

Updated on March 5, 2026

On March 2, 2026, the Seventh Circuit granted the banking and credit union trade groups’ unopposed motion to fast-track their appeal, seeking resolution on whether and…

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The enforcement action offers insight for global firms into the FCA’s approach under the financial promotions regime.

By Stuart Davis and Gabriel Lakeman

On 10 February 2026, the FCA publicised that it has commenced proceedings against an offshore crypto platform for breach of the UK financial promotions regime for cryptoassets. This is the first enforcement action the FCA has taken following expansion of the financial promotion regime to cryptoassets on 8 October 2023 — although we are aware that…

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Spain follows the trajectory of other EU Member States that have similarly recalibrated their transitional periods since ESMA first published its consolidated list.

By Gabriel Lakeman, Paloma Arizón, and Ivan Pizeta

On 1 December 2025, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published an updated list of grandfathering periods decided by EU Member States under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). These transitional periods enable firms currently providing services pursuant to pre-MiCA Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registrations…