When an exchange freezes your withdrawals
Quick answer: Document balances and support tickets immediately. Check the FCA register and warning list. Report to Action Fraud if you suspect fraud. Consider legal advice for large amounts — recovery is uncertain.
Withdrawal freezes happen during compliance reviews, liquidity crises or fraud investigations. Your options depend on why — but assume no FSCS safety net.
Compliance holds
Exchanges may freeze withdrawals pending Travel Rule checks or enhanced due diligence. Respond only via official in-app support.
Insolvency risk
If a platform stops communicating broadly, customers often become unsecured creditors. Historical examples include long waits with partial recovery at best.
Immediate actions
Screenshot balances, download statements, note dates. Report unauthorised firms to the FCA. Warn others but beware recovery scammers contacting you next.
Frequently asked questions
Can the FCA get my crypto back?+
The FCA does not compensate individual crypto losses. It may take enforcement action against firms.