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The United Kingdom is moving toward stronger cryptocurrency regulations. The government is working on new rules to avoid penalties and ensure safe use of digital assets. These rules aim to support new technology while protecting users and keeping markets stable.
Crypto is becoming more popular in the UK, and the UK crypto market is expected to reach $1.6 billion in revenue. This leads to an important question: What changes in UK crypto regulations are driving this growth?
Table of contents
Key Regulatory Developments in 2025
August 1, 2025 – FCA Lifts Ban on Crypto ETNs
From 8 October 2025, UK retail investors will be allowed to invest in crypto exchange-traded notes (CETNs).
The new development in the UK’s regulatory approach to crypto comes after the FCA banned crypto ETNs in January 2021, citing extreme volatility.
June 2025 – Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Creating Crypto Regulatory Framework
- Officials are conducting discussions to create a new regulatory framework for crypto.
- Looking forward to regulating trading platforms, intermediaries, and activities like staking and lending.
May 28, 2025 – FCA Proposals on Stablecoins and Custody
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published proposals to regulate:
- Stablecoin issuance
- Crypto custody services
- Financial resilience of crypto firms
These proposals aim to ensure stablecoins maintain their value and provide transparency around asset backing. The FCA is also considering incorporating stablecoin regulation into its innovation services and plans to coordinate closely with the Bank of England.
- Feedback deadline: July 31, 2025
- Final rules expected: 2026
May 7, 2025 – Bank of England on Stablecoins
Sarah Breeden, Deputy Governor for Financial Stability at the Bank of England, emphasized the importance of stablecoins in modern payment systems. She confirmed the review of a viable model for integrating stablecoins into the UK’s payment rails. The related bill passed its third reading in Parliament on May 8 without changes.
May 2, 2025 – FCA Discussion Paper (DP25/1)
The FCA released a discussion paper exploring regulation around:
- Cryptoasset activities
- Trading platforms
- Staking services
The paper seeks industry feedback for future regulatory developments.
April 29, 2025 – HM Treasury Draft Statutory Instrument
HM Treasury published a draft statutory instrument outlining:
- Rules for issuing stablecoins
- Custody of digital assets
- Guidelines for crypto trading platforms and transactions
March 18, 2025 – Digital Security Sandbox (DSS) Restrictions
The Treasury and Debt Management Office (DMO) confirmed that unbacked cryptocurrencies and stablecoins are excluded from the DSS program unless expressly approved by the Bank of England and FCA.
February 4, 2025 – House of Lords Property Bill
The House of Lords Committee Stage of the Property Bill clarified legal treatment of:
- Crypto tokens
- Collateral arrangements
This update strengthens the legal framework surrounding digital assets.
January 30, 2025 – DSS Amendment
The UK government updated the DSS regulations following the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023. Key changes:
- Imposed anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) rules on crypto firms
- Reinforced a risk-based approach to fraud prevention
January 9, 2025 – Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 Amendment
Parliament officially amended the FSMA 2000, categorizing:
- “Qualifying crypto assets”
- “Qualifying stablecoins”
as regulated investments within the UK’s financial perimeter.
Who Regulates Cryptocurrency in the UK?
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the main regulatory body overseeing cryptoassets. It ensures compliance with AML and CTF standards.
Prominent platforms like Coinbase and Gemini are registered with the FCA as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), offering secure and transparent crypto services to UK users.
Additionally, HM Treasury and the Bank of England contribute significantly to shaping the nation’s digital asset regulations. The FCA also enforces strict advertising standards to ensure crypto promotions are clear, fair, and not misleading.
Crypto Taxation in the UK (2025)
Investors & Traders
| Tax Type | Rate/Allowance | Taxable Events | Reporting |
| Capital Gains Tax (CGT) | 18% (basic), 24% (higher) | Selling, trading, spending, or gifting crypto (not to spouse) | Gains over £3,000 must be reported to HMRC |
| Income Tax | 0–45% based on income bands | Mining, staking, airdrops, crypto payments | Income over £12,570 must be reported |
| Losses | Offset against gains | Can reduce CGT liability | Must be reported to HMRC |
| Exemptions | N/A | Holding, transferring between own wallets, or gifting to spouse | Not reportable |
Note: Crypto exchanges must share user data with HMRC. Failure to report taxable events may result in penalties.
Crypto Companies
| Tax Type | Rate/Allowance | Taxable Events | Reporting |
| Corporation Tax | 25% (2025 rate) | Profits from crypto-related business | Annual returns to HMRC |
| VAT | Generally exempt | Applies only to some services | VAT returns if applicable |
| FCA Registration | Mandatory | AML/CTF compliance, licensing required | Ongoing compliance and record keeping |
| Payroll Tax | PAYE/NIC | Crypto used to pay employees | Must be reported |
| Record Keeping | Mandatory | Full transaction logs, KYC/AML data | Subject to FCA and HMRC audit |
Crypto Licensing Rules for UK Companies
| Aspect | Details |
| Regulatory Perimeter | Applies to exchanges, custodians, brokers, staking providers, stablecoin issuers |
| Mandatory Licensing | Required for all firms serving UK retail customers, including foreign companies |
| Regulated Activities | Includes trading, custody, staking, and arranging crypto transactions |
| Overseas Firms | Must be UK-authorized if targeting UK retail clients |
| Required Standards | Must meet standards on transparency, governance, risk, capital, and conduct |
| AML/CTF Compliance | FCA registration required for anti-money laundering obligations |
| Implementation Timeline | Draft order published April 29, 2025; applications open for one year |
| Penalties | Non-compliance may lead to enforcement, penalties, or criminal charges |
Crypto Adoption Rate in the UK (2025)
The UK has emerged as the fastest-growing country in terms of crypto adoption, according to Gemini’s “State of Crypto” report.
- Crypto user base: Over 23 million users
- Adoption rate: 35.12%
- Revenue forecast: Over $1.6 billion
- Comparison: Outpacing the US and France (both at 21%); second only to Singapore (28%)
Notable trends:
- 28% of UK investors started with memecoins
- 41% of investors now hold spot crypto ETFs, placing the UK among the top ETF-adopting countries
- 12% of the population currently owns crypto, though the risk of scams and fraud remains a concern
UK Government’s Crypto Holdings
While cryptocurrency is not legal tender, it is legal to buy, sell, or hold crypto assets under current UK regulations. The UK government manages to hold one of the largest Bitcoin reserves with approximately 61,245 Bitcoins worth around $6.52 billion.
The primary source of this BTC accumulation is the seizure and forfeiture of cryptocurrencies linked to criminal activities. The assets are often confiscated as part of investigations and legal proceedings, and then held by the government.
UK Government’s Stance on Cryptocurrency
The UK government has not disclosed any official crypto holdings, but it supports legal crypto trading. While cryptocurrency is not legal tender, it is legal to buy, sell, or hold crypto assets under current UK regulations.
Final Thoughts
The UK is laying the foundation to become a global hub for cryptocurrency and digital assets. With robust legal frameworks, institutional clarity, and active efforts to foster innovation while ensuring consumer safety, the country is paving the way for a thriving crypto ecosystem. As these regulations unfold, the UK is set to play a defining role in shaping the future of crypto globally.
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FAQs
The UK has over 23 million crypto users, with a 35.12% adoption rate, leading Europe in crypto engagement.
The FCA regulates cryptoassets, working with HM Treasury and the Bank of England on comprehensive frameworks.
Capital gains tax applies at 18%–24%, while income tax (0%–45%) applies to mining, staking, and crypto earnings over £12,570.
