UK Registered Cryptocurrency Exchanges

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Investing in cryptocurrency carries significant risk—your capital is not protected, and you should be prepared for the possibility of losing your entire investment. With that in mind, choosing a reputable platform is one of the most important decisions you can make. This guide focuses on cryptocurrency exchanges registered with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), helping you identify secure and compliant platforms in an otherwise unregulated market.

Understanding Cryptocurrency Regulation in the UK

Cryptocurrency remains unregulated in the United Kingdom. This means digital assets do not fall under standard financial protections offered by the FCA. As a result, investors have no access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if something goes wrong.

However, there is a crucial regulatory requirement: any business conducting cryptoasset activity in the UK must register with the FCA to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regulations. Registration does not mean full financial oversight, but it does signal that an exchange adheres to basic compliance standards.

Additionally, the FCA has banned the sale of crypto-derivatives to retail investors due to their high-risk nature.

👉 Discover how secure and compliant crypto platforms operate in today’s evolving market.

Top FCA-Registered Crypto Exchanges in the UK

Below are some of the most trusted and feature-rich cryptocurrency exchanges currently registered with the FCA.

1. Kraken – Best Overall Crypto Exchange

Kraken has been a leader in the crypto space since 2013 and continues to offer one of the most comprehensive trading experiences. With over 200 supported cryptocurrencies and a daily trading volume exceeding $650 million, it caters to both beginners and advanced traders.

Kraken stands out for its low spreads, deep liquidity, and robust security framework. It also provides extensive educational resources, making it ideal for those new to digital assets.

Key Features:

While UK users may miss out on certain advanced features, Kraken’s balance of usability, security, and selection makes it a top choice.

2. CoinJar – Best for Low-Cost Trading

CoinJar is built for value-conscious investors. It charges no deposit or withdrawal fees for GBP transactions and maintains a minimal spread—making it one of the most transparent fee structures in the industry.

The platform supports instant card payments and offers a crypto debit card that lets users spend digital assets directly, earning rewards through CoinJar Rewards.

Why Choose CoinJar?

Though less suited for active traders, CoinJar excels as a straightforward, cost-effective gateway into crypto.

👉 Compare platforms that offer low fees and seamless GBP access.

3. eToro – Ideal for Beginners

eToro is renowned for its user-friendly experience, especially for newcomers. It won multiple Finder Awards for being beginner-friendly and offering instant purchases.

Its standout feature is copy trading, which allows users to mirror the strategies of experienced investors automatically. With a minimum investment of $200, you can replicate top traders’ moves without needing deep market knowledge.

Benefits:

While spreads are higher than some competitors, eToro’s educational tools and social trading make it perfect for learning while investing.

4. Crypto.com – Best for Altcoins

With over 250 cryptocurrencies available, Crypto.com leads in altcoin diversity. Whether you're interested in emerging tokens or well-established projects, this platform offers broad access.

It also delivers strong utility beyond trading—such as a crypto debit card, NFT marketplace, and DeFi wallet—earning its reputation as a full-service ecosystem.

Notable Features:

One caveat: higher-tier benefits require staking CRO tokens, and customer service ratings are mixed.

5. Revolut – Best All-in-One Finance App

Revolut integrates banking and crypto seamlessly. After joining the FCA’s full register, it expanded its offerings to include crypto staking, recurring buys, and a spending mode on its prepaid card.

You can buy, hold, and exchange more than 90 cryptocurrencies directly within the app. The “Learn & Earn” feature rewards users with free crypto after completing educational quizzes.

Advantages:

However, transaction fees are higher than dedicated exchanges, and coin selection is limited.

6. Gemini – Top Choice for NFT Enthusiasts

Gemini owns Nifty Gateway, one of the world’s leading NFT marketplaces. This integration makes Gemini ideal for users interested in digital art and collectibles.

Nifty Gateway eliminates gas fees when buying or minting NFTs and allows purchases using fiat or crypto balances—removing technical barriers for new users.

Highlights:

Despite a past security incident, Gemini remains a trusted name in NFTs.

7. Uphold – Best for Crypto Debit Card Use

Uphold offers a versatile Mastercard-linked debit card that supports spending across crypto, fiat, and commodities. It’s ideal for travelers due to zero foreign transaction fees and real-time spending analytics.

Users can switch between funding sources instantly and freeze their card remotely via the app.

Pros:

Note: spreads may apply when converting between asset types, and ATM withdrawals incur charges.

Complete List of FCA-Registered Crypto Exchanges

As of 2025, these platforms are officially registered with the FCA:

Registration indicates AML/CTF compliance but does not guarantee investor protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in the UK?

Yes, buying and holding cryptocurrency is legal in the UK. You can invest through registered exchanges, though there is no regulatory protection if losses occur.

How is crypto taxed in the UK?

Crypto gains are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) if they exceed your annual tax-free allowance (£6,000 in 2024/25). Tax applies when you sell, swap, spend, or gift crypto. Income from staking or mining may be taxed as income.

Are any cryptocurrencies banned in the UK?

No coins are outright banned, but the FCA has urged exchanges to delist privacy-focused coins like Monero (XMR) due to risks linked to money laundering. Most FCA-registered platforms do not list such assets.

Does FCA registration protect my funds?

No. Registration ensures compliance with anti-money laundering rules but does not mean your investments are safeguarded. There is no compensation if an exchange fails or your assets are lost.

Can I get a crypto loan or interest account in the UK?

Most crypto lending products are restricted under FCA rules due to consumer risk concerns. Platforms must comply strictly with advertising standards, limiting promotional offers.

What should I look for in a UK crypto exchange?

Prioritize:

👉 Explore secure platforms built for transparency and ease of use.

Final Thoughts

While cryptocurrency remains unregulated in the UK, using an FCA-registered exchange adds a layer of accountability by ensuring adherence to AML and CTF standards. However, this should not be mistaken for financial protection.

Your choice of platform should align with your goals—whether that’s low-cost trading, altcoin access, beginner support, or integrated financial tools. Always conduct thorough research before investing.

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