When you trade crypto in the UK, crypto exchange compliance UK, the legal framework that forces crypto platforms to follow anti-money laundering and customer verification rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority. Also known as FCA crypto registration, it’s the line between a safe platform and a legal time bomb. If a crypto exchange doesn’t have FCA approval, it’s operating illegally—and your money is at risk.
It’s not just about paperwork. The FCA crypto rules, the strict requirements that all crypto businesses must meet to legally operate in the UK, including KYC, AML checks, and ongoing reporting. Also known as UK crypto licensing, it’s designed to stop fraudsters and protect retail investors. Since 2020, over 150 unregistered platforms have been shut down or warned off. Some, like the now-defunct Let’sBit, vanished overnight with user funds trapped. Others, like BloFin, stay compliant by refusing UK fiat deposits entirely—because it’s easier than fighting the regulators.
The AML crypto UK, the anti-money laundering standards that require crypto exchanges to track every transaction, verify user identities, and report suspicious activity to authorities. Also known as crypto AML requirements, it’s why you can’t sign up for a UK-based exchange without uploading your ID and proof of address isn’t just a formality—it’s the reason your wallet isn’t being used to launder drug money. The FCA doesn’t just check boxes. They audit transaction logs, test internal controls, and can freeze assets if they find gaps. That’s why even big names like Kraken and Bybit had to restructure their UK operations. And why platforms like Ring Exchange, with zero transparency, are outright scams.
If you’re in the UK and using a crypto exchange, you need to know: Is it registered? Does it show its FCA registration number? Does it block UK users if it’s not compliant? The answer matters more than the coin you’re trading. The FCA publishes a live list of approved firms—check it before you deposit a penny. And if a platform says "we’re working on compliance," that’s not a promise—it’s a red flag. Real compliance isn’t a future goal. It’s a legal requirement, enforced with fines, jail time, and asset seizures.
What you’ll find below aren’t just articles about exchanges. They’re real-world case studies—some platforms that followed the rules, others that ignored them and disappeared. You’ll see how crypto exchange compliance UK shapes what’s available to you, why some exchanges won’t let you deposit pounds, and how to tell the difference between a licensed platform and a criminal operation. This isn’t theory. It’s survival.
Understand the FCA's 2025 crypto exchange authorization rules in the UK, including registration, FSMA requirements, stablecoin rules, and how overseas platforms must comply to serve UK customers.
