Ripple’s journey through February 2nd encapsulates the volatile intersection of regulatory progress, market turbulence, and unexpected controversy. The blockchain firm secured a transformative full Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in Luxembourg, cementing its European expansion strategy. Simultaneously, its name surfaced in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents, casting a shadow of historical intrigue. Meanwhile, its native token, XRP, plunged to a 14-month low, testing investor resolve despite signs of potential institutional confidence.
about Ripple's EU License, Epstein Files Link, and XRP Price CrashFinancial Conduct Authority (FCA)
0 in Finance and 1 in Crypto last weekUK Crypto Ownership Drops to 8% as Regulation Looms
Cryptocurrency ownership among UK adults has fallen sharply to 8% in 2025, down from 12% just a year earlier, according to new research commissioned by the Financial Conduct Authority. This marks the first decline in overall ownership in four years, signaling a significant contraction in retail participation even as awareness remains near-universal at 91%. The findings emerge as UK regulators intensify efforts to establish formal oversight of the cryptoasset sector by October 2027.
about UK Crypto Ownership Drops to 8% as Regulation LoomsUK FCA Proposes New Crypto Rules for Exchanges, DeFi & Staking
The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched a landmark consultation on a comprehensive new regulatory framework for digital asset markets. Spanning three detailed papers, the proposals target crypto trading platforms, staking, lending, borrowing, and decentralized finance (DeFi), with an unusually long feedback window open until February 12, 2026. The initiative represents a critical balancing act, aiming to foster innovation while mandating greater transparency and consumer protection in a high-risk sector.
about UK FCA Proposes New Crypto Rules for Exchanges, DeFi & StakingUK FCA Prioritizes Pound Stablecoin Payments for 2026 Growth
In a decisive move to secure London’s future in digital finance, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has placed the development of pound-pegged stablecoin payments at the core of its 2026 growth strategy. The regulator is fast-tracking a dedicated regulatory sandbox for prospective issuers, positioning UK-issued stablecoins as a faster, more convenient payment method. This initiative forms a central pillar of nearly 50 reforms outlined to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, all aimed at reinforcing the UK’s status as a preeminent global financial hub.
about UK FCA Prioritizes Pound Stablecoin Payments for 2026 GrowthUK Regulator Approves ClearToken Crypto Settlement System
ClearToken has secured FCA authorization for its regulated crypto settlement platform, marking a significant step in the UK’s efforts to integrate digital assets into its financial system. The approval enables institutional players to settle crypto transactions under established regulatory standards, positioning Britain as a jurisdiction embracing digital asset innovation while maintaining robust oversight through infrastructure that meets traditional financial requirements.
about UK Regulator Approves ClearToken Crypto Settlement SystemUK Crypto ETN Fee War Erupts After Retail Ban Lifted
The United Kingdom’s financial landscape has been transformed by the Financial Conduct Authority’s decision to lift its 2021 ban on retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes, sparking an intense fee war among issuers. Bitcoin ETN providers have slashed management fees to historic lows of 0.05% as they battle for dominance in the newly accessible retail market, creating a stark pricing divide with other crypto-linked ETNs that continue charging up to 2.5% annually.
about UK Crypto ETN Fee War Erupts After Retail Ban LiftedBlackRock Launches Bitcoin ETF in UK, Eyes $2B Inflows
BlackRock has launched its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in the United Kingdom, marking a watershed moment for regulated cryptocurrency access in one of Europe’s largest financial markets. Following the Financial Conduct Authority’s reversal of its ban on crypto-based exchange-traded products, analysts project the fund could attract $1.5 to $2 billion from British investors seeking Bitcoin exposure through familiar investment channels. This strategic move by the world’s largest asset manager, coming just two years after its massively successful US Bitcoin ETF launch, transforms regulatory shifts into accessible products for millions of retail investors who previously faced exclusion or complexity barriers.
about BlackRock Launches Bitcoin ETF in UK, Eyes $2B InflowsUK Lifts Crypto ETP Ban, Unlocks £800B Retail Market
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has reversed its three-year ban on retail crypto exchange-traded products, marking a watershed moment for regulated digital asset investment. Starting October 16, British investors can trade Bitcoin and Ethereum ETNs through authorized exchanges. This decision opens crypto exposure to the UK’s £800 billion Individual Savings Account market, potentially channeling billions into digital assets through tax-advantaged accounts.
about UK Lifts Crypto ETP Ban, Unlocks £800B Retail MarketUK Lifts Crypto ETN Ban for Retail Investors
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority is reversing its 2019 ban on crypto exchange-traded notes for retail investors starting next week, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation. This regulatory pivot opens new avenues for retail investors to access crypto products through FCA-approved exchanges, though the watchdog maintains a cautious stance on broader crypto investment vehicles like ETFs. The move has already attracted attention from major financial institutions, with BlackRock reportedly preparing to enter the UK retail crypto market with its iShares Bitcoin product.
about UK Lifts Crypto ETN Ban for Retail InvestorsUK FCA Slashes Crypto Registration Times by 69%
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has dramatically accelerated its approval process for cryptoasset service providers, slashing average registration times from 511 days to just 158 days—a 69% reduction since the 2022/23 financial year. However, this significant improvement in efficiency coincides with a worrying 43.5% decline in total applications over the same period, as firms adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ approach amidst ongoing regulatory uncertainty. While industry representatives welcome the faster processing, they caution that the UK risks losing ground to more proactive international jurisdictions unless it provides greater clarity and a more welcoming environment for digital asset businesses.
about UK FCA Slashes Crypto Registration Times by 69%Paybis Review: UK Crypto Exchange with Global Reach
Since its 2014 founding, Paybis has emerged as a leading UK-based cryptocurrency exchange, distinguished by its FCA regulation and global accessibility. The platform supports over 180 countries, 40+ fiat currencies, and multiple payment methods—including credit cards—making it a versatile choice for both individual traders and businesses seeking compliant crypto services.
about Paybis Review: UK Crypto Exchange with Global ReachUK FCA Expands Crypto Regulation to Protect Investors
The UK Financial Conduct Authority is proposing sweeping new regulations for crypto firms, including stablecoin issuers and custodians. These rules aim to bring crypto oversight in line with traditional financial standards. Retail investors could see enhanced protections and clearer accountability from service providers.
about UK FCA Expands Crypto Regulation to Protect Investors