Crypto Firms in the UK Must Submit Annual Financial Crime Reports to the FCA

Crypto firms in the UK must submit annual financial crime reports to the FCA. Following the consultation in August 2020, we are increasing the number of firms that need to submit a REP-CRIM return from approximately 2,500 to approximately 7,000. We based our assessment of which firms this extension will apply on our understanding of the potential money laundering risks. This policy statement summarises our proposal to increase the number of firms who need to submit the annual financial crime report, which we refer to as ‘REP-CRIM’. What is being proposed is that additional firms and cryptoasset businesses should be brought into the scope of the return based on their business activities and the potential money laundering risks.

Firms we supervise under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) such as banks, building societies, businesses undertaking MiFID related activities, and cryptoasset businesses.

REP-CRIM provides us information on a range of indicators that reflect the potential money laundering risks of firms’ based on their regulated activity and helps us to supervise firms. In our 2020/21 Business Plan, we said we would consider extending the REP-CRIM reporting obligation to more firms. Reviewing our policy allows us to keep up to date with changes in legislation such as cryptoasset businesses now falling within the scope of the MLRs.

We have statutory objectives under the Financial Services and Markets Act to protect and enhancing the integrity of the UK financial system.

Firms that will be brought into the scope of REP-CRIM for the first time will need to be prepared to submit the return when it is due.