Rules by country · United Kingdom

UK crypto rules: FCA registration and promotions

By Joshua Baskin, founder · Reviewed October 23, 2026 · Sources

• Key takeaway 1

  Crypto firms in the UK must register with the FCA for anti-money-laundering supervision.

  Source: FCA: Cryptoassets AML/CTF regime

• Key takeaway 2

  Since October 8, 2023, crypto promotions to UK consumers must follow FCA financial promotion rules.

  Source: FCA: Financial promotion rules for cryptoassets

Laws change. This is a plain-English summary for learning, checked against official sources on October 23, 2026. It is not legal or tax advice; check the official source or a licensed professional before acting.

The rules

• Registration: check the FCA register before using a firm. The FCA warns that most crypto is unregulated and you are unlikely to get compensation if things go wrong.
• Promotions: ads need clear risk warnings, a 24-hour cooling-off period for first-time investors, and no referral bonuses.
• Tax: HMRC treats most personal crypto as subject to Capital Gains Tax; income tax can apply to staking and mining.
• A wider regime to authorise crypto activities is being introduced; check the FCA for dates.

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Common questions

Is crypto regulated in the UK?

Firms must register for anti-money-laundering, and promotions are regulated, but most crypto assets themselves are not covered by compensation schemes.

Do I pay tax on crypto in the UK?

Usually Capital Gains Tax on disposals; see HMRC’s Cryptoassets Manual.

Sources

1. FCA AML regime
2. FCA promotions rules
3. HMRC Cryptoassets Manual

Sources checked October 23, 2026. Rules change; check the official source before acting.

Education only. Not investment, tax or legal advice. We do not pick coins.