The post Crypto Regulations in the United Kingdom 2025 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
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?
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
May 28, 2025 – FCA Proposals on Stablecoins and Custody
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published proposals to regulate:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
January 9, 2025 – Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 Amendment
Parliament officially amended the FSMA 2000, categorizing:
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.
According to a recent FCA report, the agency wants to balance innovation with investor safeguards by easing some requirements while also toughening oversight in areas like cybersecurity. The FCA’s consultation paper will be available till November 12, 2025, for public feedback, and the final rules will be published in 2026.
Crypto mining is legal in the UK as of 2025, but investors must comply with tax regulations set by the HMRC (UK’s tax authority) and be aware of potential future environmental and energy consumption laws.
Mined cryptocurrency is considered taxable income, with potential Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for hobby mining and Income Tax for full-time mining operations.
| 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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
The UK has emerged as the fastest-growing country in terms of crypto adoption, according to Gemini’s “State of Crypto” report.
Notable trends:
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.
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.
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.
Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.
