Exchanges — Regulation
FCA-Registered
Exchanges.
Only use exchanges on the FCA register. It is the minimum threshold for legitimacy in the UK. Here is every crypto exchange that has passed FCA anti-money-laundering registration — and what that actually means.
Key facts
Major exchanges with FCA crypto registration
Of firms that applied for registration since 2020
Registration covers anti-money-laundering only
FCA Register
Verified March 2026| Exchange | Registered Entity | FCA Ref | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | CB Payments Ltd | 900635 | 2022 |
| Kraken | Payward Ltd | 928222 | 2022 |
| OKX | Okcoin Europe Ltd (UK branch) | 948407 | 2023 |
| Gemini | Gemini Europe Services Ltd | 921817 | 2022 |
| eToro | eToro (UK) Ltd | 583263 | 2020 |
| Uphold | Uphold Europe Ltd | 938277 | 2022 |
Reference numbers verified on the FCA Financial Services Register. Last checked: March 2026.
What FCA registration actually means
Currently, FCA registration for crypto firms covers one thing: anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) compliance. That means the exchange has systems to verify customer identity, monitor transactions, and report suspicious activity.
Here's the thing: it does not mean the FCA has assessed the exchange's financial health, the quality of its technology, or the security of your funds. It does not mean your money is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Crypto is not covered by FSCS.
Think of it as a minimum bar, not an endorsement. An exchange without FCA registration is operating illegally in the UK. One with registration has met AML requirements. That's it.
What's changing
The UK is building a full regulatory framework for crypto under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This goes far beyond AML registration.
By October 2027, crypto firms will need full FCA authorisation — not just registration. This will cover market abuse, prudential requirements, consumer protection, and operational resilience. The bar is going up significantly.
For investors, this is good news. More regulation means higher standards for exchanges, better consumer protection, and clearer rules. The transition period runs through 2027 with an application window from September 2026.
How to check the register yourself
Go to register.fca.org.uk. Search by the firm's name or reference number. Look for the specific permission: “Cryptoasset activities” under their registered activities.
Be careful with names. Exchanges often register under a different legal entity name. Coinbase operates through CB Payments Ltd, Kraken through Payward Ltd. Use the reference numbers in the table above to find them quickly.
Worth knowing: the FCA also maintains a warning list of unauthorised firms. If an exchange is on that list, do not use it.
Unregistered exchanges: what happens
If an exchange operates in the UK without FCA registration, it is breaking the law. The FCA has shut down numerous unregistered crypto firms and issues regular warnings.
For you as an investor, using an unregistered exchange means no regulatory oversight, no complaint mechanism through the Financial Ombudsman, and limited legal recourse if something goes wrong.
Some large overseas exchanges are not FCA-registered and restrict UK users from accessing certain products. If an exchange asks for your UK address during signup and then blocks your access, that restriction usually exists for regulatory reasons.
Regulation
UK Regulatory Timeline
Track every deadline, consultation, and rule change through 2027.
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