Exchange checks · FCA
Check the entity, not just the logo.
Last updated
Crypto brands can serve different countries through different companies. Use the FCA Register to confirm the exact entity behind your UK account and what its status actually covers.
AML
Current crypto registration focus
Not FSCS
Crypto losses generally not protected
2027
Wider regime starts 25 October
- 1
Find the legal entity
Open the exchange's UK terms or account statement. The brand name alone is not enough.
- 2
Search the FCA Register
Search that exact entity and open the official record—not an advert or a copied directory.
- 3
Match the details
Check the reference number, website, address, trading names and cryptoasset registration status.
- 4
Read the permissions
A firm may have permissions for one service but not another. Registration is not a blanket approval of every product.
- 5
Check warnings
Search the FCA Warning List for clones, unauthorised firms and lookalike domains before sending money.
Registration is not authorisation
The current cryptoasset register primarily addresses money-laundering and terrorist-financing controls. It does not mean the FCA has endorsed the investment, guaranteed the firm's solvency or made volatile assets safe.
The regime is changing
The wider authorisation gateway opens on 30 September 2026. The new regime starts on 25 October 2027 and brings newly regulated activities under broader conduct, safeguarding and prudential standards.
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