UK EMIR Shift Sets the Tone for 2026 as Firms Brace for Tougher Data Rules

Regulators are ending the year with firm signals that compliance work will stay intense well into 2026. The December 2025 Finance Magnates Intelligence Compliance Report highlights two changes that stand out for both traditional and digital finance firms.

The first is the UK EMIR reporting update. The FCA and the Bank of England have finalised new guidance, field rules, and XML schemas that will come into effect in January 2026. These changes bring stricter data checks and clearer alignment rules that will reach far beyond clearing firms. Any firm reporting derivatives will need to prepare for tighter scrutiny and stronger internal controls.

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At the same time, Hong Kong has shifted course on crypto. The SFC has lifted the 12-month trading restriction and introduced broad reforms under its ASPIRe plan. Licensed platforms may now share order books with offshore partners and offer more tokenised products, but only if they meet higher cross-border standards. For exchanges with global plans, this opens the door to growth while also raising the compliance bar.

Reasons to Access the Free December 2025 Compliance Report

1. Clear summary of the new UK EMIR rules.
Understand what changes in January 2026 and what teams must prepare.

2. Insight on Hong Kong’s new crypto rules.
See what the lifted limits mean for trading platforms and cross-border work.

3. Fast action points for compliance teams.
Short, direct guidance that cuts through long regulator notes.

4. Early signals for 2026 planning.
Get a view of what rules and risks will matter most as the new year starts.

5. Updated fines, warnings, and risk trends.
Stay aware of the latest enforcement moves that may affect your firm.

6. Strong year-end guidance in one place.
A single source that helps teams act with confidence during a busy period.

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This month’s report also includes updated enforcement notes, key rule changes, and the latest risk warnings to close out the year. These signals make one thing clear: firms that stay.

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