UK Financial Regulator Issues Hundreds of Crypto Exchange Warnings in October 2025

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) intensified its crackdown on unauthorized crypto promotions in October 2025, issuing hundreds of warnings and filing a lawsuit in the High Court against HTX (formerly Huobi) for promoting services without authorization. This enforcement action occurs as the UK attempts to balance consumer protection with becoming a global crypto hub; on the same day warnings escalated, the FCA lifted a ban on crypto exchange-traded notes for retail investors.

Since October 2023, crypto firms must register with the FCA and adhere to strict rules for advertising, including clear risk warnings and cooling-off periods. Despite issuing over 1,000 warnings by August 2024, data shows that roughly 800 flagged promotions remained online, indicating a compliance gap. Enforcement has focused on social media influencers, with nine facing criminal charges, rather than fining companies for non-removal of ads.

The dual policy—strict enforcement against unlicensed operators alongside the legalization of regulated crypto ETNs—reflects the market maturation, with 12% of UK adults now owning crypto. The FCA is developing comprehensive rules for stablecoins and trading platforms expected by 2026, signaling a tougher road ahead for unlicensed crypto operations.

(Source：Brave New Coin)