UK Moves to Regulate Crypto Like Traditional Financial Products
The UK government said it will bring crypto assets and related services into the same regulatory regime that governs stocks, bonds and other financial products. That means issuers, trading venues and custodians may face similar licensing, disclosure and conduct requirements as traditional financial firms, enforced by the country’s existing regulators. The move is designed to close regulatory gaps and reduce risks for retail and institutional investors.
Market participants welcomed the clarity, saying consistent rules could boost confidence and encourage more institutional capital into the ecosystem. At the same time, startups will need to adjust compliance operations and costs to meet established standards. Overall, the change signals a shift toward mainstreaming crypto in the UK financial system while prioritizing consumer safety and market stability.