Blockchain.com securing fca registration in the uk adds significant legitimacy and regulatory clarity to the crypto space in a major financial market. this can pave the way for increased institutional and retail adoption, as it provides a more secure and regulated environment for users, potentially leading to higher capital inflows across various cryptocurrencies.
The news reports a verifiable regulatory approval (fca registration) for a long-standing and prominent crypto exchange, blockchain.com. this is a concrete development in a key jurisdiction.
Enhanced regulatory oversight and legitimate operational frameworks in major economies like the uk reduce investment risks and barriers for traditional finance participants and cautious retail investors. this fosters trust and broadens accessibility, which is fundamentally bullish for the overall crypto market over time.
The impact of regulatory approvals and increased institutional comfort tends to manifest gradually as new capital flows in and market structures adapt. while the immediate reaction might be minimal for individual coins, the long-term trend of legitimization is crucial for sustainable growth.
In brief Blockchain.com has received FCA registration for UK crypto brokerage, custody, and institutional services. The approval follows 2024 MiCA licensing, positioning the firm across European and UK markets. Founded in York in 2011, the crypto exchange has processed $1.2 trillion in transactions serving 90 million wallets. Crypto exchange Blockchain.com has secured registration with UK regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), enabling it to offer crypto services to customers there. Blockchain.com can now provide brokerage, custody, and institutional services under one of the world's strictest regulatory frameworks. For users, this means more protection and oversight of their funds. Founded in the UK in 2011, Blockchain.com has processed over $1.2 trillion in crypto transactions and served 90 million wallets globally. The company started in York before moving to London, with the firm's CEO Peter Smith noting in a press release that, "We've been part of the UK's tech landscape for over a decade." The company didn't immediately respond to a request from Decrypt on whether it would pursue licenses in other regions. The UK registration follows Blockchain.com's MiCA license last year , which allows operations across all 30 European Economic Area countries. Together, these approvals position the company to serve major regulated markets. The FCA and crypto regulation The timing is strategic, with the UK developing a comprehensive crypto regulatory regime set to launch in 2027. Blockchain.com plans to apply for full authorization when applications open later this year, the company said. The firm is also rumored to be eyeing going public in the U.S. through a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC. SPACs register their shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission to raise money and hunt for a target company. When one is identified, the SPAC takes the company public by acquiring it. If it does make it to a listing, it will be the latest in a handful of companies that have gone public since 2025, including USDC issuer Circle , crypto exchange Bullish , and crypto friendly trading platform eToro . Daily Debrief Newsletter Start every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more. Your Email Get it! Get it!