Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high‑risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.
Which Crypto Exchanges are FCA-Approved in the UK?
You may be asking, which exchanges are FCA-approved in the UK? Here’s the list of FCA-registered crypto exchanges.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are going mainstream. But trading on a reputable platform is a really important part of using crypto. That's where the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) comes in.
The FCA steps in to let citizens know which exchanges are doing what they ask, and which ones don’t.
FCA approved vs FCA registered
These exchanges are not "approved" by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the traditional sense. Crypto assets and crypto asset services are not regulated in the UK. However, these exchanges are registered with the FCA. It does not mean that the FCA approves or endorses their activities.
The FCA has also established rules on the marketing of crypto assets. These rules are designed to ensure that investors understand the risks involved in crypto investments. The below exchanges try to meet these rules as part of its registration.
FCA registration
So what does FCA registration mean? It means that the exchange has met certain criteria.
FCA-Approved Crypto Exchanges
Here are the exchanges that are FCA-Approved in the UK. with the FCA, a crypto exchange must meet money laundering regulations, and businesses marketing to UK customers must also meet the FCA's financial promotion rules to ensure their marketing materials are fair, clear, and not misleading.
CoinJar
Of course we are here, all up at the top. But why wouldn’t we be?? is a user-friendly exchange with a and probably the most competitive fees around.
It's a fantastic option if you're just starting out, or for serious traders there is an exchange .
PayPal
While primarily a payment platform, PayPal now lets you buy, sell, and hold crypto. They are registered with the FCA.
Bitstamp
Bitstamp UK, an exchange started in Slovenia, is registered with the FCA under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. This registration means that Bitstamp adheres to anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regulations.
Kraken
A US exchange, operating as a registered cryptoasset firm under the Money Laundering Regulations demonstrates Kraken's commitment to complying with UK's financial regulations.
Gemini
Another US exchange, Gemini has a broader selection of cryptocurrencies and might be a bit more complex for beginners but are FCA registered.
Coinpass
After registration, Coinpass (recently acquired by CFD provider Oanda) will be required to maintain ongoing compliance with FCA regulations.
Ziglu
This is a newer UK-based exchange offering a selection of cryptocurrencies.
How does FCA approval work?
The FCA doesn't hand out registrations lightly. Exchanges have to jump through hoops to prove they're trustworthy.
Is FCA registration a guarantee?
While FCA approval is a good sign, it's not a foolproof guarantee. Crypto is still a risky investment. Prices can go up and down quickly, and there's always the chance of scams. But choosing an FCA-registered exchange is a smart first step towards safer trading.
Key takeaway
Stick to FCA-approved exchanges. They offer a safer and more transparent experience, giving you peace of mind as you explore the fascinating world of cryptocurrencies.
Frequently asked questions
Are crypto exchanges regulated in the UK?
While the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) doesn't fully regulate crypto, it does supervise UK crypto exchanges for anti-money laundering compliance. This provides some protection, but crypto remains largely unregulated.
Why should I choose an FCA-registered crypto exchange?
FCA registration means the exchange follows strict anti-money laundering rules and is subject to some oversight. While not a full guarantee, it can offer more protection than using an unregulated platform.
What are the risks of using an FCA-registered crypto exchange?
Even with FCA registration, crypto investments are high risk. Be prepared to lose all your money. Crypto prices are volatile, and platforms can experience technical issues or hacks.
Do FCA-registered crypto exchanges offer financial services like traditional banks?
Generally, no. Most FCA-registered exchanges focus on buying, selling, and holding crypto. They usually don't offer traditional financial services like loans or savings accounts.
Should UK retail investors use FCA-registered crypto exchanges?
Yes, it's generally recommended. While risks remain, FCA-registered exchanges offer some level of oversight and protection compared to unregulated platforms.
What is the role of the FCA in the crypto space?
The FCA primarily focuses on anti-money laundering efforts in the crypto sector. It does not directly regulate crypto as a financial product.
Does FCA registration make a crypto exchange safe?
No, it's not a guarantee of safety. However, FCA registration does impose certain requirements on exchanges, offering some protection against scams and illegal activities.
Your information is handled in accordance with CoinJar’s .
Cryptoassets traded on CoinJar UK Limited are largely unregulated in the UK, and you are unable to access the Financial Service Compensation Scheme or the Financial Ombudsman Service. We use third party banking, safekeeping and payment providers, and the failure of any of these providers could also lead to a loss of your assets. We recommend you obtain financial advice before making a decision to use your credit card to purchase cryptoassets or to invest in cryptoassets. Capital Gains Tax may be payable on profits. CoinJar’s digital currency exchange services are operated in the UK by CoinJar UK Limited (company number 8905988), registered by the Financial Conduct Authority as a Cryptoasset Exchange Provider and Custodian Wallet Provider in the United Kingdom under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, as amended (Firm Reference No. 928767).
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