Understanding FCA Regulation for Crypto in the UK

What does it mean for an exchange to be FCA-registered? We explain the current regulatory landscape and what it means for your protection as a UK investor.

What Is the FCA?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK's financial regulatory body. Since January 2020, crypto asset businesses operating in the UK must register with the FCA under the Money Laundering Regulations.

What FCA Registration Means

FCA registration does not mean your funds are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). It primarily means the exchange has passed anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) checks.

What to Look For

Check the FCA Register to verify an exchange's status
Be aware of the difference between "registered" and "authorised"
Look for exchanges that voluntarily meet higher standards

The Future of UK Crypto Regulation

The UK government has signalled its intention to bring crypto assets into the broader regulatory perimeter, which would mean stronger consumer protections in the future.