Crypto News
| Published On Oct 9, 2023 12:16 pm CEST | By Daniel Li

UK’s FCA Adds Major Crypto Exchanges to Warning List

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On Sunday, October 8, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK’s financial markets regulator, took a big step by adding a number of well-known cryptocurrency exchanges to its warning list of unlicensed businesses that clients should be wary of.

The FCA added 143 additional organizations to its increasing list of cautionary remarks, significantly expanding its warning list. The list included the well-known cryptocurrency exchanges KuCoin, which is owned by Huobi, and HTX, which is controlled by Huobi. A straightforward but important message is conveyed by the regulator’s warning list: “You should avoid doing business with this firm.”

Businesses involved in “crypto asset activities” in the UK are subject to strict regulatory regulations. To operate under the law, they must either be registered with the FCA or possess a temporary operating permit. The FCA’s head on cryptocurrency financial marketing, Jayson Probin, had previously stressed the negative effects of non-compliance and warned that the agency will take severe action against individuals engaging in unlawful advertising to UK consumers.

Stricter Regulatory Landscape

The FCA has been in charge of regulating the registration of organizations engaged in crypto asset activity since 2020. However, just 38, or around 13%, of the 291 applications filed have been granted, underscoring the regulator’s strict stance. 42 organizations are now listed on the FCA’s list of registered crypto asset providers, including well-known brands like Bitstamp, Revolut, and Gemini.

As it struggles to meet the FCA’s legal standards, PayPal, a well-known financial services company, has banned cryptocurrency transactions for its UK clients. The action illustrates the difficulties existing financial institutions have in adjusting to the shifting regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies.

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Similar to this, Bybit, cryptocurrency exchange with headquarters in Dubai, stopped offering all of its services in the UK in late September, claiming “regulatory changes” as the cause. These occurrences highlight how crucial it is to follow regulatory requirements in the bitcoin industry, especially in the UK.

The FCA’s proactive stance in include significant exchanges on its warning list demonstrates its dedication to upholding a secure and compliant crypto environment in the UK. In order to guarantee transparency and safeguard customers, it also acts as a reminder to market players of the need of adhering to regulatory norms.

Navigating the complicated regulatory environment is a priority for both established and developing participants in the market as the bitcoin sector continues to develop. Not only does adherence to legal requirements but also the development of confidence within the larger financial ecosystem depend on compliance with regulatory regulations.

 

Daniel Li

A day trader in cryptocurrencies and avid sports bettor himself, Daniel decided to join the team and share his expertise with the iGaming.org audience. Areas of interest are global crypto regulations and the adoption of cryptocurrency use in the world. Daniel loves to work hard and write “how to guides” related to sports betting to share his take on various topics.