UK Tightens Crypto Reporting Rules with OECD Guidelines by 2026

The UK government will mandate that cryptocurrency firms begin reporting detailed customer transaction data starting in January 2026, aligning with the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF). This move aims to improve tax transparency and compliance, impacting the digital asset industry significantly. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, will be responsible for implementing this new requirement, requiring firms to submit user data such as names, addresses, and tax IDs. This regulatory shift may lead to increased operational costs and potential penalties of up to 300 British pounds per affected user if compliance is not met. Industry experts anticipate that the UK’s alignment with over 40 other countries implementing similar CARF guidelines will create a more transparent digital asset landscape, while also presenting new challenges for companies operating in both centralized and decentralized crypto markets.