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 SystemFinancial Conduct Authority (FCA)
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UK 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 InvestorsUK Tightens Crypto AML Rules with 10% Control Threshold
HM Treasury has released draft legislation that significantly strengthens anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations for crypto businesses in the UK. The proposed changes lower the threshold for change-in-control notifications from 25% to 10%, aligning with FSMA requirements, meaning any acquisition of a 10% or greater stake must be reported to the FCA. The regulations also introduce broader ‘fit and proper’ tests for company controllers to capture complex ownership structures. This comes amid growing concerns about crypto’s role in financial crime, with a 2024 FCA survey showing 12% of UK adults own cryptoassets and law enforcement noting increased use in laundering schemes. The Treasury is seeking feedback until September 30, 2024, with final regulations expected before Parliament in early 2026.
about UK Tightens Crypto AML Rules with 10% Control ThresholdUK Risks Crypto Irrelevance as Osborne Warns of Regulatory Lag
Former UK Chancellor George Osborne has issued a stark warning about the UK’s lagging position in crypto innovation, comparing the current moment to the 1980s Big Bang reforms that cemented London’s financial dominance. In a Financial Times op-ed, Osborne criticized Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey for their cautious stance, particularly on stablecoins, which he views as a roadblock to progress. Industry groups like CryptoUK and London-based Alvara Protocol share these concerns, highlighting the UK’s slow regulatory pace compared to jurisdictions like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the EU. FCA data shows crypto adoption in the UK is growing (12% of adults in 2024), but strict advertising rules and banking policies continue to stifle the sector. With global competitors moving faster, Osborne and industry leaders warn the UK risks becoming irrelevant in the next wave of financial innovation.
about UK Risks Crypto Irrelevance as Osborne Warns of Regulatory Lag