[UK FCA Plans to Regulate Crypto Apps with Automated Trading Path Selection; DeFi Aggregators May Need Licenses] According to a report by CryptoSlate on October 24th, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed new draft regulatory guidance. This guidance suggests that if cryptocurrency trading applications use algorithms to autonomously select trading platforms and paths based on factors such as price, liquidity, transaction costs, or execution speed, they may be considered to be engaging in regulated crypto asset trading arrangements and would require a license. This regulation could impact DeFi trading aggregators and automated trading interfaces. The FCA states that software services that only transmit user trading instructions and do not interfere with execution decisions may qualify for a technical service exemption. However, automated trading decisions do not exempt operators from regulatory obligations. The regulator will also determine whether decentralized platforms are involved in regulated activities based on actual control, operational responsibilities, and economic interests. The new UK crypto asset regulatory framework is scheduled to take effect on October 25, 2027. Existing companies must submit their license applications within a designated window by February 28, 2027, while the FCA plans to release final guidelines after soliciting comments.