Which crypto exchanges are available in the United Kingdom?
This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Crypto rules change often and a platform's product set can vary. Verify the current position with a qualified local professional and the official regulator, the FCA, before acting.
Crypto trading is legal in the United Kingdom and several platforms serve residents as of March 2026, including Coinbase, Kraken, Bitstamp, Crypto.com, Gemini, and Revolut. A platform may serve United Kingdom users where it is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority for anti money laundering and follows the financial promotions rules. The global Binance platform restricts some products for United Kingdom retail users, so confirm directly with the platform which services are offered to you.
How exchange availability works in the United Kingdom
A platform that carries on cryptoasset activity by way of business for United Kingdom customers must register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Money Laundering Regulations and run an anti money laundering programme. Since 8 October 2023, any marketing of cryptoassets to United Kingdom consumers also has to meet the financial promotions regime, which means clear risk warnings, a cooling off period for first time investors, and approval by an authorised person. These rules apply to overseas platforms that target United Kingdom consumers, not only to those based in the United Kingdom.
A broader regime is on the way. The government is bringing cryptoasset activities inside the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, which will require full FCA authorisation rather than only anti money laundering registration. That regime is being phased in and is expected to take effect on 25 October 2027. As of March 2026 the current registration and promotions rules still govern who can serve United Kingdom users, and some products, such as crypto derivatives for retail customers, remain restricted.
Platforms available to United Kingdom residents
Coinbase serves United Kingdom users and is registered with the FCA. Kraken is a long established platform that serves United Kingdom users and has added local banking support. Bitstamp is one of the longer running platforms registered with the FCA and available to United Kingdom residents. Crypto.com serves United Kingdom users through its app and exchange. Gemini operates in the United Kingdom and is registered with the FCA. Revolut, founded in the United Kingdom, offers crypto alongside its wider banking app. This is a description of availability and registration status as of March 2026, not a recommendation or a ranking by quality.
Always confirm on the platform itself that it currently serves United Kingdom residents and that the service you want is offered, because the product set in the United Kingdom can be narrower than elsewhere. Crypto derivatives and certain crypto exchange traded notes have been restricted for retail customers since 6 January 2021, although the FCA proposed in 2025 to allow retail access to some exchange traded notes traded on a recognised exchange.
Buying compliantly
To use an exchange lawfully in the United Kingdom, choose a platform that is registered with the FCA and serves United Kingdom residents, complete its identity verification, and keep records of your transactions for your Self Assessment reporting to HMRC. The platforms below are listed because they are genuinely available to United Kingdom residents as of March 2026.
Compare available exchanges in the United Kingdom
These platforms serve United Kingdom residents as of March 2026. Compare them on fees, supported assets, and registration before you choose. We list a platform here only where it is genuinely available to this country.
Compare available exchangesRegulator and sources
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) the register of cryptoasset firms registered for anti money laundering and the financial promotions rules, current to June 2026.
- HM Treasury legislation bringing cryptoasset activities within FSMA, expected to take effect on 25 October 2027.
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the Self Assessment reporting that applies to your gains and income.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to use a crypto exchange in the United Kingdom?
Yes. Crypto trading is legal and a platform may serve United Kingdom residents if it is registered with the FCA for anti money laundering and follows the financial promotions rules. Availability and the product set can change, so confirm before you sign up.
Is Binance available in the United Kingdom?
Binance operates with United Kingdom users but restricts some products for retail customers, particularly derivatives, to comply with FCA rules, and has at times faced banking and marketing limits. Verify the current position and which services are offered to United Kingdom retail users on the platform before relying on it.
Do crypto exchanges need to be FCA registered in the United Kingdom?
A business carrying on cryptoasset activity by way of business in the United Kingdom must register with the FCA under the Money Laundering Regulations, as of March 2026. A new FSMA based authorisation regime is being introduced that will require full authorisation, expected to take effect on 25 October 2027.
Do I need a licence to buy crypto in the United Kingdom?
No. A private individual does not need a licence to buy or hold crypto. The registration and conduct duties fall on the exchange or cryptoasset business, not on the customer, as of March 2026.
How do I check whether an exchange is FCA registered?
You can check the FCA register of cryptoasset firms registered for anti money laundering and the FCA warning list. A platform should also state that it serves United Kingdom customers and complies with the financial promotions rules in its own terms.
Related pages
Risk and change note: exchange availability and product sets change frequently in the United Kingdom, and the new FSMA based regime is being phased in toward 25 October 2027. The positions above carry an as of date and were last reviewed on June 21, 2026. Confirm current registration and the specific service with the platform and the FCA before you act.
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