UK Crypto: Finally Catching Up? 🤯

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Right. So, the UK’s finally considering letting people *actually* invest in crypto, like, properly. After deciding in 2020 that retail investors couldn’t touch crypto exchange-traded notes (cETNs) – because apparently, we’re all incapable of making our own questionable life choices – the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is now thinking… maybe? 🤔

If they give it the go-ahead, we might actually be able to trade these cETNs, which are basically regulated things that give you a slice of the crypto pie – Bitcoin, Ethereum, the whole shebang – through official channels. Honestly, it’s like they’re only just discovering what the rest of the world has been doing for ages.

Apparently, the US approved some spot Bitcoin ETFs earlier this year, and those sucked up billions. Now the UK’s feeling a bit… left out. Which, let’s be real, is a very British emotion. 🙄

Industry Says, ETFs Should Be Next

In our response to the FCA’s consultation, CryptoUK welcomed the proposal to lift the ban on retail access to cryptoasset exchange traded notes (cETNs). But we also believe it’s time to start the conversation about retail access to crypto ETFs.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs approved in the…

— CryptoUK (@CryptoUKAssoc) July 25, 2025

CryptoUK – they’re like the crypto cheerleaders of the UK – said this is a good start, but seriously, why stop there? They’re all about getting crypto ETFs (exchange-traded funds) involved. Apparently, they’re safer than actually holding crypto yourself. Less self-custody drama, potentially lower fees, and generally just… less chaotic. Which, you know, sounds good.

21Shares and Coinbase UK are echoing this. They’re saying if you *limit* access, people will just go find dodgy unregulated exchanges. Which is, shockingly, not a good thing. It’s like trying to stop people from wanting snacks by only selling kale. 🤦‍♀️

21Shares warned the FCA not to make things too restrictive or everyone will go rogue. And Coinbase UK’s Keith Grose calls the UK a “second mover” in this game. Basically, we’re copying what worked elsewhere. Which is… efficient? Though slightly embarrassing. They also warn that dawdling will leave us in the dust, watching Germany and Switzerland have all the crypto fun. Rude.

What This Means for Crypto

So, the FCA is having a think about cETNs for retail investors. Final decisions are expected after summer. They’re deciding if it’ll be just Bitcoin and Ethereum, and if ETFs are even on the table. For now, cETNs might give us a vaguely regulated way to dabble without getting our hands dirty with private keys. But everyone keeps saying it’s still super risky. You could lose everything. Just saying. 🤷‍♀️

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2025-07-26 08:24