History of Bitcoin in the UK
The UK has moved from registering crypto firms for money-laundering checks (2020) and banning crypto derivatives for retail clients (2021) to allowing retail crypto ETNs (October 2025) and a full regime under FCA authorisation due from October 2027.
Facts checked 26 October 2026
Bitcoin in the UK today
- Retail investors have been able to buy crypto exchange-traded notes listed on a UK recognised investment exchange since 8 October 2025; crypto derivatives remain banned for retail clients.
- The UK's new cryptoasset regulations were passed by Parliament on 4 February 2026, and the full regime of regulated crypto activities is due to start on 25 October 2027.
Timeline: bitcoin in the UK
- 2020FCA registration for crypto firms
From January 2020, crypto businesses operating in the UK had to register with the Financial Conduct Authority and follow the Money Laundering Regulations.
- 2021Retail ban on crypto derivatives
In January 2021 the FCA banned the sale of derivatives and exchange-traded notes linked to unregulated cryptoassets, such as bitcoin, to retail clients.
- 2025Retail access to crypto ETNs
8 October 2025. The FCA lifted the ban for crypto ETNs traded on a UK recognised investment exchange. Retail crypto derivatives stay banned, and the products are not covered by the FSCS.
- 2025Record 61,000 bitcoin seizure case
11 November 2025. Zhimin Qian was jailed for 11 years and 8 months over a Chinese investment fraud. Police had seized over 61,000 bitcoin from her, which the Met calls the world's largest confirmed crypto seizure.
- 2026Cryptoasset regulations passed
4 February 2026. Parliament passed the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Regulations 2026, the basis of a full UK crypto regime.
- 2026FCA publishes the crypto rulebook
30 June 2026. The FCA published its policy statements for the new regime. Existing firms can apply for transitional status between 30 September 2026 and 28 February 2027.
- 2027Full crypto regime starts (scheduled)
25 October 2027. The full set of regulated crypto activities is due to come under FCA authorisation from 25 October 2027.
FAQ
Can UK retail investors buy bitcoin ETNs?
Yes, since 8 October 2025, for crypto ETNs traded on a UK recognised investment exchange. Crypto derivatives remain banned for retail clients, and the products are not covered by the FSCS.
When does the UK's full crypto regime start?
The Cryptoassets Regulations 2026 were passed on 4 February 2026, and the full set of regulated crypto activities is due to come under FCA authorisation from 25 October 2027.
Sources (7)
- Overview of our cryptoassets regime policy statements - FCA
- FCA opens retail access to crypto ETNs - FCA press release
- Man and woman jailed for their roles in multibillion pound fraudulent bitcoin scheme - Metropolitan Police
- UK sentences Chinese scammer after record-breaking Bitcoin seizure - Al Jazeera
- Gold - Bank of England
- An analysis of the UK gold auctions 1999-2002 - Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin
- FOI2019/01985 gold reserves - HM Treasury
History compiled from the sources listed, which we opened and checked in October 2026. Dates follow those sources; where they differ, we say so or leave the detail out.
Cite this page
For essays, articles and research. Prices on this page update daily, so the citations include today's date as the date you accessed it.
@misc{corgano2026historyofbitcoinin, author = {{Corgano}}, title = {History of Bitcoin in the UK}, howpublished = {\url{https://bitcoinprice.corgano.com/bitcoin-history/uk}}, year = {2026}, note = {Corgano Bitcoin Price, accessed 2026-10-26}}