U.K. Financial Conduct Authority Appoints Sarah Pritchard as Deputy CEO

The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) appointed Sarah Pritchard as its first deputy chief executive to enhance oversight of the crypto and digital assets sector.

The role aims to strengthen regulation of stablecoins, crypto firms, and buy now pay later activities.
The FCA is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework, planning to start authorizing crypto firms by 2026.
Currently, the FCA ensures compliance with anti-money laundering rules for companies on its crypto register.
Pritchard will focus on international aspects of regulation, reflecting the evolving expectations of the FCA.
She has previously contributed to supervision and policy oversight within the agency.
The FCA seeks collaboration with the crypto industry to shape future regulations.
Pritchard will work alongside CEO Nikhil Rathi and David Geale, executive director for payments and digital finance.