Blockchain.com Gains UK FCA Approval for Crypto Services

Blockchain.com has secured registration from the UK Financial Conduct Authority, unlocking its ability to offer crypto services across the country.

Key Takeaways

• Blockchain.com is now officially registered with the UK FCA to operate as a crypto asset business.
• This approval allows the company to offer brokerage, custodial, and institutional crypto services in the UK.
• The registration follows Blockchain.com’s previous withdrawal from the FCA process in 2022 and its MiCA license win in the EU.
• The firm aims to seek full UK authorization under the upcoming permanent regulatory framework set to launch by 2027.

What Happened?

London-based crypto exchange and wallet provider Blockchain.com has been added to the FCA’s registry of licensed crypto asset firms under its trading name “BC Operations.” The approval comes nearly four years after the company withdrew its initial application in 2022 due to lack of approval before a regulatory deadline.

This FCA registration now permits Blockchain.com to legally offer crypto services in the UK, as long as it complies with rules surrounding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

Blockchain.com Returns to UK Regulatory Fold

Blockchain.com, which began its journey in York over a decade ago, called the FCA registration a major milestone in its efforts to operate transparently and securely in one of the world’s most tightly regulated financial markets.

CEO Peter Smith highlighted the company’s deep British roots, stating:

With this approval, Blockchain.com can now:

• Offer digital asset custody and wallet services to UK users.
• Provide brokerage and institutional-grade services to local businesses.
• Work closely with regulated financial entities within the UK.
• Enhance enterprise-grade compliance and treasury tools.

Although the current FCA registration allows it to operate, it is not equivalent to full financial services authorization, which will come under a new UK licensing regime set to begin in 2025 and take full effect by 2027.

A Comeback After 2022 Withdrawal

Blockchain.com had previously pulled out of the FCA registration process in March 2022, opting instead to operate under its licensed entity in Lithuania while awaiting clearer regulatory pathways in the UK.

Now, the tide has turned. In addition to its UK comeback, the company has also secured a MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) license in the European Union, allowing it to operate across all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries under a single regulatory framework.

Nic Cary, Co-founder and Vice Chairman at Blockchain.com, commented:

Positioning for the Future

Blockchain.com says the FCA registration is just the beginning. The company intends to apply for full authorisation under the UK’s upcoming permanent crypto regulatory regime, expected to open later this year and become mandatory by 2027.

With operations now spanning over 70 jurisdictions, and having processed more than $1.2 trillion in crypto transactions since 2011, Blockchain.com is reinforcing its status as a global crypto pioneer while doubling down on its UK roots.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

I think this move is more than just a regulatory checkbox. In my experience, when a firm with global reach like Blockchain.com doubles back to get FCA approval after a withdrawal, it signals strategic alignment with stricter regulation. That’s a big deal in the current environment, where crypto companies are seeking trust and legitimacy. It also shows the UK is becoming more serious about making itself a regulated crypto hub, and Blockchain.com wants a front-row seat.

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