Uphold: availability and regulation
Uphold is a multi asset platform that offers crypto along with other assets. It is registered with FinCEN in the United States, supervised in the United Kingdom through an FCA authorised electronic money partner, and registered for anti money laundering supervision in Lithuania for parts of Europe. It does not serve residents of Canada.
Information, not advice. This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify the current rules with a qualified local professional and the official regulator before acting.
Uphold is a multi asset platform founded in 2015 that lets users hold and trade crypto along with other assets such as precious metals and national currencies. As of June 2026 it is registered with FinCEN as a money services business in the United States, supervised in the United Kingdom through an FCA authorised electronic money partner, and registered for anti money laundering supervision in Lithuania for parts of Europe. It does not provide registrable services in Canada.
What Uphold is
Uphold is a digital money platform founded in 2015. It is built around the idea of holding and moving value across asset classes, so alongside crypto it has offered precious metals and national currencies, with a feature that lets users trade directly between any two supported assets.
The platform is custodial, which means Uphold holds the assets in your account for you. Supported assets and funding methods vary by region. Fees are charged through a spread and other charges that differ by asset and market, so confirm the current fee schedule and asset list on the platform before trading.
Uphold operates across many countries through a set of regional registrations. It also blocks access from sanctioned and restricted jurisdictions, and the depth of service differs by region.
Registrations and licences
- United States. Registration with FinCEN as a Money Services Business together with state level regulation under its nationwide registry identifier (as of June 2026).
- United Kingdom. Supervision through an electronic money institution authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), under which Uphold provides services to United Kingdom users (as of June 2026).
- European Economic Area. Registration with Lithuania's Financial Crime Investigation Service for anti money laundering supervision, supporting service to parts of Europe as the Markets in Crypto Assets framework beds in (as of June 2026).
- Canada. Uphold has withdrawn its registration approach in Canada and does not provide registrable services to Canadian residents (as of June 2026).
Each registration is stated as of 21 June 2026. Licences and registrations change. Confirm the current position on the regulator register and the licences page of the platform before acting.
Where Uphold is available
As of June 2026 Uphold reports availability across a large number of countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, with service to parts of Europe. It blocks access from sanctioned and restricted jurisdictions, and it does not serve residents of Canada.
The set of assets and features differs by country, and some products may not be offered everywhere Uphold operates. Availability can change, so check the current position on the platform for your country before signing up.
Uphold is one of several platforms available in many countries. Availability depends on where you live, so compare the exchanges that are genuinely available in your country before you choose.
Regulator and sources
The supervising bodies differ by market: FinCEN with state regulators in the United States, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) through an authorised electronic money institution in the United Kingdom, and Lithuania's Financial Crime Investigation Service for anti money laundering supervision in parts of Europe.
- Uphold help centre pages on how it is regulated and on supported and restricted countries.
- FinCEN and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) public registers.
- Public reporting on Uphold's withdrawal from registrable services in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Is Uphold safe and regulated?
Uphold is a multi asset platform registered with FinCEN as a money services business in the United States, supervised in the United Kingdom through an FCA authorised electronic money partner, and registered for anti money laundering supervision in Lithuania for parts of Europe. No registration removes market or platform risk, and this is information rather than advice.
Which countries can use Uphold?
Uphold reports availability in a large number of countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. As of June 2026 it blocks access from sanctioned and restricted jurisdictions, and it does not provide registrable services to residents of Canada. Availability varies, so check the platform for your country.
Is Uphold available in the United States?
Yes. As of June 2026 Uphold serves United States customers and is registered with FinCEN as a money services business and at the state level. Some assets or features can vary by state, so check the platform.
Is Uphold available in Canada?
No. As of June 2026 Uphold has withdrawn its registration approach in Canada and does not provide registrable services to Canadian residents. Canadian users should compare platforms registered for that market.
Does Uphold hold my crypto?
Yes. Uphold is a custodial platform and holds the assets in your account for you. Holding your own keys requires a separate self custody wallet.
Rules change frequently. Exchange availability, registrations, and the rules that govern them can change at short notice and vary by region. The position on this page is dated 21 June 2026. Confirm the current status with the named regulator and the platform before you act.
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