You’re launching a token into the United Kingdom. Where that token sits under financial services law decides most of your legal path.
Information, not advice
This page is information, not legal advice about your matter. A retainer begins only when a lawyer confirms it.
Start here
Work out what your token legally is, before you build around it
That one answer decides whether the financial promotion rules apply to your marketing, and whether you need FCA permission before you can approach anyone.
What to work through, in order
Is the token a financial product?
Two separate questions run in parallel: whether the token is a specified investment under the Financial Services and Markets Act, and whether it is a qualifying cryptoasset for the financial promotions regime. A token can sit outside the first and still be caught by the second.
Where the issuer sits
A UK company, an offshore issuer marketing inward, or a foundation. The choice changes whether FCA registration under the Money Laundering Regulations is triggered, and how the financial promotions restriction applies to communications aimed at UK persons.
What you can say before launch
The financial promotions regime restricts inviting investment activity unless approved by an authorised person or an exemption applies. The cryptoasset promotion rules add a risk warning, a cooling-off period and an appropriateness assessment for retail audiences.
Next steps
What happens if you go ahead
Scoping call
Written scope and fixed-fee quote
Engagement, once a lawyer confirms
Who would handle it
Offices
London
25 Southampton Buildings, London WC2A 1AL