FCA Crypto Registration: What You Need to Know About UK Crypto Compliance

When a crypto business operates in the UK, it must go through FCA crypto registration, the official process by which the UK Financial Conduct Authority approves crypto firms to operate legally. Also known as crypto exchange licensing, it’s not optional—it’s the gatekeeper for any company handling crypto assets, trading, or custody services for UK customers. Without it, you’re breaking the law. The FCA doesn’t just want paperwork; they want proof you’re secure, transparent, and serious about preventing money laundering and fraud.

This isn’t just about exchanges like Binance or Coinbase. It affects anyone running a crypto service in the UK—whether you’re a DeFi platform, a wallet provider, or even a crypto ATM operator. The FCA cryptocurrency regulations, a strict set of rules enforced since 2020 to bring crypto under financial oversight require firms to prove they know their customers, monitor transactions, and report suspicious activity. If you’re a trader using a platform that isn’t registered, you’re exposed to risk—because unlicensed platforms can shut down overnight with no warning.

The UK crypto compliance, the broader framework that includes AML checks, capital requirements, and ongoing reporting is one of the toughest in the world. Many crypto firms failed to register in time and were banned from operating. Others spent over a year preparing documentation, hiring compliance officers, and upgrading their systems just to get approved. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and complex—but it’s also the only way to legally serve UK customers.

For everyday users, this means you should only use platforms that display their FCA registration number publicly. If you can’t find it, assume the worst. The FCA maintains a public list of approved firms, and you can check it yourself. It’s not about trust—it’s about protection. And if you’re running a business, skipping registration isn’t a shortcut. It’s a guarantee you’ll be shut down, fined, or worse.

What you’ll find below are real cases, breakdowns, and lessons from the front lines of UK crypto regulation. From why trading volume dropped after FCA crackdowns to how exchanges scrambled to comply, these posts show what happens when rules meet reality. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to know to stay legal, stay safe, and make smarter moves in a changing market.