UK regulators ease path to retail crypto investment
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has formally lifted its 2021 ban on crypto exchange-traded notes (cETNs) for retail investors.
In an Aug. 1 announcement, the regulator confirmed that these products will now be available on UK-regulated markets, marking a significant policy shift to broaden access to digital asset investments.
The original ban was introduced amid concerns over market volatility and consumer protection. At the time, the FCA argued that crypto ETNs carried “inherent risks, ” making them unsuitable for individual investors.
However, the regulator now believes the market has matured sufficiently to justify a controlled reintroduction, highlighting better infrastructure, increased transparency, and a more informed…
