When it comes to FCA crypto compliance, the set of rules enforced by the UK Financial Conduct Authority to oversee cryptoasset businesses and protect consumers. It's not just paperwork—it's the difference between using a safe exchange and stumbling into a scam. If you're trading, investing, or running a crypto business in the UK, this is the framework you can't ignore.
The FCA, the UK’s primary financial regulator responsible for overseeing markets, firms, and consumer protection doesn’t ban crypto—it just demands transparency. Exchanges like Xcalibra and COREDAX are built with this in mind: they pursue licensing, verify users, and report suspicious activity. But not all platforms do. That’s why the FCA maintains a public warning list of unregistered firms. If a crypto service doesn’t show FCA registration, treat it like a red flag.
Crypto exchange rules UK, the specific requirements crypto businesses must meet to operate legally in the United Kingdom include anti-money laundering checks, clear fee disclosures, and secure storage of customer funds. Stablecoins? They’re now under direct FCA oversight too. And if you’re running a DeFi platform or a token sale, you might need authorization—even if you think you’re "just a tech project."
It’s not just about exchanges. The FCA also targets influencers, ads, and even airdrops. If a TikTok post pushes a crypto token without clear risk warnings, it’s breaking the rules. That’s why you’ll see fewer flashy "get rich quick" ads now. The FCA’s crackdown isn’t about stopping innovation—it’s about stopping fraud.
For UK residents, this means you have rights. If you lose money on an FCA-registered platform, you might qualify for compensation through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. But if you use an unregulated one? You’re on your own. That’s why checking a platform’s FCA status before depositing funds isn’t optional—it’s your first line of defense.
The rules keep changing. In 2025, new crypto tax rules kicked in, and the FCA now requires firms to explain how they handle customer assets. Some exchanges shut down because they couldn’t meet the bar. Others, like those focused on Safex Cash or Korean traders, stayed out of the UK market entirely. The message is clear: if you’re not compliant, you’re not welcome.
You’ll find posts here that break down real cases—like why Armoney isn’t a real exchange, how HM Treasury’s policies tie into FCA actions, and what happened when a token swap like BinaryX’s went sideways. These aren’t theoretical discussions. They’re real stories of people who lost money because they didn’t check the rules.
Whether you’re a trader, a developer, or just someone trying to understand if your crypto moves are legal, this collection gives you the facts—not the hype. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what the FCA actually requires, how it affects your wallet, and how to stay clear of the traps.
23 November
The UK's FCA now bans most crypto advertising to the public, requiring personalized risk warnings, 24-hour cooling-off periods, and strict audience vetting. Here's what the rules mean for investors and firms.
