General information, not financial advice. Crypto is high risk. You could lose all the money you put in.
Why it matters
Firms offering crypto services to people in the UK must be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK's financial regulator. Scam sites often copy the names and logos of real firms. Checking the register takes two minutes and is the best first step before you send anyone money.
What being on the register does and doesn't mean
- It means the FCA supervises the firm for anti-money-laundering rules.
- It doesn't mean the FCA endorses the firm or regulates crypto investments in the same way as banks.
- Crypto losses are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or by FSCS compensation.
- The FCA's new regime for cryptoasset firms is due to start on 25 October 2027. Until then, registration covers anti-money-laundering supervision only. (FCA: who needs to register)
Step by step
- Go to the official FCA register. Type the address yourself; don't follow a link from an ad or message.
- Search for the company name (the legal name in the site's footer, not just the brand).
- Open the firm's page and check its status says it is registered for cryptoasset activity.
- Check the website address and phone number on the register match the site you're using. If they don't, it may be a clone.
- Search the FCA's Warning List for the name too.
Warning signs, even on registered names
- Guaranteed returns or "risk-free" profits
- Pressure to act fast or keep it secret
- Contact out of the blue on social media, WhatsApp or by phone
- Being asked to install remote-access software or move coins to a "safe wallet"
Exchanges UK beginners often use
| Exchange | Registered firm | Firm reference number |
|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | CB Payments Ltd | 900635 |
| Kraken | Payward Ltd | 928768 |
| Crypto.com | Foris DAX UK Limited | 941745 |
| Bitstamp | Bitstamp UK Limited | 978690 |
| eToro | eToro (UK) Limited | 583263 |
| Revolut | Revolut Ltd | 900562 |
Gemini closed all its UK accounts on 6 April 2026, so it isn't listed. Listing here is not a recommendation. Each number links to a search on the FCA register; check the firm's page yourself before you use it. Numbers checked on the register on 13 October 2026.
If you think you've been scammed
Stop sending money and contact your bank straight away. Then report it to Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025, at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. You'll get a crime reference number, which your bank may need. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. You can also report a suspicious website to the National Cyber Security Centre.