# UK financial regulation: where to start?

> Financial services requirements in the United Kingdom vary by type of activity.

Canonical: https://legichain.com/en/resources/uk-financial-regulation-where-to-start

Financial services requirements in the United Kingdom vary by type of activity. First determine the service you provide, then the relevant permission and control processes.

## Scope of activity

Do not assess payment, e-money and cryptoasset activities under a single permission heading. Permission, registration and ongoing obligations have different functions.

## Control layers

Identity verification, risk assessment, sanctions controls and transfer information answer separate questions. One control succeeding does not show that another has been completed.

## Sources and updates

Check the current scope with the FCA and the relevant official legislative sources. Do not confuse new or transitional regimes with existing obligations. Continue to the [MLR](https://legichain.com/en/resources/uk-mlr-2017-introduction), [EMI](https://legichain.com/en/resources/uk-emi-authorisation-assessment) and [Travel Rule](https://legichain.com/en/resources/uk-travel-rule-scope-and-operations) guides.

> This content is general information. Determine the requirements that apply to your institution from current official sources and your own assessment process.

**See the related product scope** → [Compliance approach](https://legichain.com/en/compliance)

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