Understanding Cryptocurrency - An FCA Roadmap for AML & Risk Management

Introduction

Cryptocurrency presents one of the most disruptive challenges to traditional regulatory frameworks. Its decentralised, intangible nature and global reach make it difficult to regulate, yet impossible to ignore—particularly when it comes to anti-money laundering (AML) and managing associated risks.

The ongoing rise in sanctions issues, fraud cases, and cybercrime involving cryptoassets has further highlighted the need for financial services professionals to understand both the risks and the regulatory approaches developing in the UK and globally.

This session will provide you with a clear understanding of the risks associated with cryptoassets, and what regulated firms need to consider to mitigate financial crime risks and comply with evolving rules.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• An introduction to crypto in the UK and why crypto presents unique challenges for AML and compliance
• The types of risks that crypto can give rise to:
• Market risks such as volatility, liquidity, and price manipulation
• Operational risks: hacking/cybersecurity and the role of bad actors
• Legal risks: sanctions and fraud
• Regulatory approaches to crypto-related risk:
• FSMA 2000 and Cryptoassets Order 2025
• Registration requirements under the Money Laundering Regulations
• Financial promotions regime for cryptoasset firms
• Due diligence obligations
• Suspicious Activity Reports
• How crypto exchanges are handling these obligations in practice
• What’s next for crypto regulation:
• Big trends in the global crypto market show signs that the market is maturing: e.g. stablecoins as a route to mass adoption, and tokenisation of assets. Financial institutions are getting involved; it's not just for /crypto bros/ anymore
• Contrast between US and EU: current signs are that the UK is moving closer to the EU
• The FCA Roadmap, and the ultimate goal of aligning DeFi with TradFi
• Next major step will be the Market Abuse Regime for Cryptoassets, the role of exchanges as the gatekeeper, and how this might impact the UK crypto industry

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Friday 28th November 2025

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 1,900+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.