UK crypto ad restrictions: What’s banned, who’s affected, and what’s next
When it comes to UK crypto ad restrictions, rules set by the UK government and enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority to control misleading crypto promotions. Also known as crypto advertising rules in the UK, these regulations aim to protect retail investors from high-risk, poorly explained tokens and fake promises of quick returns. Before 2023, anyone could run a crypto ad on TV, social media, or billboards—no matter how vague or risky the project. Now, that’s no longer allowed.
The HM Treasury crypto regulations, the official policy framework governing digital assets in the UK, including stablecoin issuance and exchange licensing. Also known as UK crypto policy, it gives the FCA crypto rules, the enforcement standards applied to crypto firms operating in the UK, including advertising, KYC, and anti-money laundering compliance. Also known as Financial Conduct Authority crypto guidelines the power to block ads that don’t meet strict clarity and risk disclosure standards. If an ad says "earn 20% daily" or "guaranteed returns," it gets pulled. Even using phrases like "next Bitcoin" without proof is now a violation. This isn’t just about scams—it’s about forcing projects to be honest about what they offer.
These rules hit hard on meme coins, DeFi tokens with no real team, and exchanges trying to lure users with flashy bonuses. Projects like those in our collection—some with zero liquidity, abandoned code, or no clear use case—wouldn’t pass the FCA’s review. Even legitimate platforms now need to prove they’re registered, disclose risks in plain language, and avoid emotional language like "don’t miss out." The goal? Make crypto advertising as clear as buying a stock, not as wild as a lottery ticket.
For UK users, this means fewer flashy ads but also fewer traps. For crypto projects, it means either clean up or get banned. The shift isn’t about killing innovation—it’s about removing the noise so real projects can be seen. Below, you’ll find real reviews and breakdowns of exchanges, tokens, and policies that either comply with these rules or get crushed by them. From HM Treasury’s stance to how FCA enforcement plays out on the ground, these posts show exactly what’s working, what’s not, and who’s still trying to slip through the cracks.