How to check the FCA crypto register — step-by-step
Quick answer: Search the firm’s legal name on the FCA Financial Services Register (register.fca.org.uk). Look for ‘Cryptoasset exchange provider’ or ‘Cryptoasset custodian wallet provider’ under Money Laundering Regulations. Registration means AML checks — it does not mean your crypto is protected by FSCS or that you cannot lose money.
Before you open an account or send pounds to a crypto app, check the firm is on the Financial Conduct Authority register. This takes a few minutes and is one of the most important safety steps for UK consumers.
Why you should check the register
UK crypto firms must register with the FCA for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance. The register is the official list of firms that have passed the FCA’s gateway for these checks. Using an unregistered firm may mean you are dealing with a business operating illegally in the UK.
Step 1 — Open the Financial Services Register
Go to register.fca.org.uk. Do not follow a link from an advert, email or social media message — scammers create fake register pages. Type the URL yourself or use the link from fca.org.uk.
Step 2 — Search the firm’s legal name
Enter the company’s legal name as shown in its terms and conditions, not just the trading brand. For example, search ‘Coinbase’ and also the full legal entity name if different. Check the ‘Firm Status’ is ‘Registered’ or ‘Authorised’ as appropriate.
Step 3 — Check permitted activities
On the firm’s register page, look under ‘Permissions’ for cryptoasset-related activities such as ‘Cryptoasset exchange provider’ or ‘Cryptoasset custodian wallet provider’. These indicate registration under the Money Laundering Regulations. Until October 2027, most crypto activities are not fully authorised under FSMA — registration is mainly AML compliance.
Step 4 — Watch for clone firms
Scammers set up websites copying legitimate firms. Even if a site looks professional, verify the exact URL and legal name on the register. The FCA publishes warnings about clone firms. If contact details differ from the register, treat it as a scam.
What registration does not guarantee
Registration does not mean FSCS protection, guaranteed returns, or that you cannot lose your investment. Crypto remains high-risk. The FCA warns you should be prepared to lose all the money you invest. Registration means the firm must run identity checks and report suspicious activity — not that your holdings are safe if the firm fails.
Frequently asked questions
Is every crypto exchange on the FCA register?+
Firms providing crypto services to UK customers should be registered. Some offshore platforms operate without UK registration — using them may offer no UK regulatory protection.
What is the difference between registered and authorised?+
Most crypto firms today are registered under money laundering rules. Full authorisation for regulated crypto activities begins from October 2027 under the new FSMA regime.