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Cryptoasset AML / CTF regime - feedback on good and poor quality applications

3/9/2024

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The FCA has been the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) supervisor of UK cryptoasset businesses since 10 January 2020.
​

See a summary of the applications for registration that it has received and the outcomes of the applications that have been determined, as at 1 September 2024.
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The FCA says that "We have rejected submissions that didn’t include key components necessary for us to carry out an assessment, or the poor quality of key components meant the submission was invalid."

Note: The table does not include information on any appeals following FCA decisions to refuse applications.

In its Annual Report for 2023/24, the FCA stated that "Over 87% of Crypto registrations were withdrawn, rejected or refused for weak money laundering controls."  In the same report the FCA stated it the number of firms who had their authorisations cancelled, doubled from 2022/23 to 1,261.

With respect to authorisation efficiency levels, the FCA stated that 98% of authorisation cases were assessed within statutory deadlines in the reporting period, up from 89% in Q1 of 2022/23

Source: 
https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/cryptoassets-aml-ctf-regime/feedback-good-poor-applications​
https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/annual-reports/annual-report-2023-24.pdf
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PayPal UK joins Fintech UK's "Who's Who of UK Registered Cryptoasset Map" Version 8.0  27th January 2024

27/1/2024

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Click Image for Larger Map
Fintech UK is looking to partner with registered / regulated (or soon to be) cryptoasset firms on building out a cryptoasset section on our website.  If you are senior executive at a UK registered cryptoasset firm, please contact us here to discuss the proposed project.  Also happy to hear from senior executives at businesses which support crypto firms to support the project. See our CRYPTO page for more information

If you are are crypto firm seeking regulatory advice or director services, please contact CompliReg for assistance at the details appearing here and check out its VASP registration and other authorisation services here.


Don't forget to sign up to our Newsletter (we don't spam) by clicking here.  We use MailChimp, which means you can unsubscribe whenever you like.​
Welcome to the version 8.0 of Fintech UK's and CompliReg's (a leading provider of fintech consulting services to crypto asset firms) UK FCA registered Cryptoasset Firms Map.

How many registered cryptoasset firms are there in the UK?

There are now 43 registered Cryptoasset firms appearing on the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) website as at 27th January 2024. The last firm registered was on 31 October 2023.  There have been no firms registered by the FCA since the start of 2024.

PayPal UK gets registered but has been ordered to cease on-boarding new customers and restrict existing customers

Joining Version 8.0 is PayPal UK Limited.  The FCA register records its registration effective 31st October 2023.  

While registered by the FCA, PayPal's UK crypto operations has been hit with a several restrictions.  It is prohibited, without permission from the FCA, to provide certain services to new and existing customers and specifically it has been ordered to cease on-boarding new customers and restrict existing customers to hold and sell functionality and further PayPal UK cannot expand its current offering in cryptoassets, including, but not limited to:

  1. Operating a machine which utilised the automated process to exchange cryptoassets for money or money for cryptoassets.
  2. Facilitating or participating in decentralised finance activities such as Cryptoasset lending and borrowing.
  3. Facilitating the peer-to-peer exchange of cryptoassets.
  4. Participating in staking.
  5. Participating in initial coin offerings.

Two cryptoasset firms lost their registration in 2023

During 2023 two registered crypto lost their registrations:

(1) BottlePay Limited originally registered on 17 December 2021 which closed its app to UK customers on 24th July 2023; and
(2) Digivault Limited originally registered on 12 May 2021 which went into insolvency administration on 19 April 2023.   


How many unregistered crypto firms appear on the FCA register?
There are now, as at 27 January 2024, 69 'unregistered cryptoasset firms according to the latest FCA records, which is an increase from 64 from when we published the last of the Fintech UK Registered CryptoAsset Map.  Over time, some firms will disapper from the unregistered list and some will join it.

The six (6) firms that have been added to the FCA register to take the number to 69, include: WeBuyXMR-Alex; Alphachain Traders Limited; Alphachain Capital Limited; Lykke Corp UK Limited; BTC-Firm; and Ex Markets.   

The number of 69 unregistered firms is a significant reduction since the time we released Version 1 when there were 218 (thereabouts) unregistered cryptoasset business that appeared to the FCA to be carrying on cryptoasset activity but not registered with the FCA for anti-money laundering purposes.  

As we continue to Map registered Cryptoasset firms, expect to see certain logos appear more than once as several brands will be registering several Cryptoasset firms for different purposes, such as - for example - services for (1) trading and (2) custody. An example of this is in fact Zodia.  While Zodia Markets (UK) Limited was registered on 27 July 2022, its affiliate Zodia Custody Limited was registered effective 15 July 2021.


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Which businesses are registered by the UK FCA as cryptoasset firms?

The firms thus far registered by the FCA include:

2023: Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited, Bitstamp UK Limited, Komainu UK Limited and PayPal UK Limited

2022: X Capital Group Limited, Enigma Securities Ltd, Light Technology Limited, eToro (UK) Ltd, Uphold Europe Limited, Wintermute Trading LTD, Rubicon Digital UK Limited, DRW Global Markets Ltd,  Zodia Markets (UK) Limited, Foris DAX UK Ltd (aka Crypto.com), Revolut Ltd**, Tullett Preborn (Europe) Ltd, MoonPay (UK) Ltd and Hidden Road Partners CIV UK Ltd.

2021: Fibermode Limited, Zodia Custody Limited, Ramp Swaps Limited, Solidi Ltd, OANDA Coinpass limited (formerly Coinpass Limited), CoinJar UK Limited, Trustology Limited, Commercial Rapid Payment Technologies Limited, Iconomi Ltd, Skrill Limited, Paysafe Financial Services Limited, Crypto Facilities Ltd, Fidelity Digital Assets LTD, Payward Limited, Galaxy Digital UK Limited, BABB Platform Ltd, BCP Technologies Limited, Zumo Financial Services Limited, Baanx.com Ltd, Bottlepay Ltd [closed July 2023]*, Genesis Custody Limited and Clear Junction Digital Limited, (formerly Altalix Ltd). 

2020: Archax Ltd, Gemini Europe Ltd, Gemini Europe Services Ltd, Ziglu Limited and Digivault Limited [insolvency 19 April 2023]*. 

*= deregistered cryptoasset firms


** Revolut group still has not achieved its much talked about ambition of securing a bank authorisation in the UK.  ​

We are looking forward to seeing how many more will be registered during 2024.  
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The post accompanying Version 8 appears at:
  • ​CompliReg: https://complireg.com/blogs--insights.html​
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peteroakes_cryptoasset-digitalasset-cryptoasset-activity-7157044010765680640-OFHH 

Further Reading:
  • Version 1 of the Map and the Blog of 20 December 2021 - located here
  • Version 2 of the Map and the Blog of 18 July 2022 - located here 
  • Version 3 of the Map and the Blog of 28 July 2022 - located here
  • Version 4 of the Map and the Blog of 20 September 2022 - located here
  • Version 5 of the Map and the Blog of 26 September 2022 - located here
  • Version 6 of the Map and the Blog of 1 April 2023 - located here
  • Version 7 of the Map and the Blog of 10 October 2023 - located here
  • List of ​Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses as of today - located here
  • Letter issued by UK FCA on 5 April 2023 to UK and overseas cryptoasset firms on financial promotion rules - located here
  • Financial Conduct Authority, has issued 146 alerts in first 24 hours of new crypto marketing regime as at 10 October 2023 - located here.
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Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited, Bitstamp UK Limited and Komainu UK Limited  join Fintech UK's "Who's Who of UK Registered Cryptoasset Map" Version 7.0  6th October 2023

10/10/2023

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Click Image for Larger Map
Fintech UK is looking to partner with registered / regulated (or soon to be) cryptoasset firms on building out a cryptoasset section on our website.  If you are senior executive at a UK registered cryptoasset firm, please contact us here to discuss the proposed project.  Also happy to hear from senior executives at businesses which support crypto firms to support the project. See our CRYPTO page for more information

If you are are crypto firm seeking regulatory advice or director services, please contact CompliReg for assistance at the details appearing here and check out its VASP registration and other authorisation services here.


Don't forget to sign up to our Newsletter (we don't spam) by clicking here.  We use MailChimp, which means you can unsubscribe whenever you like.​


Welcome to the version 7.0 of Fintech UK's and CompliReg's (a leading provider of fintech consulting services to crypto asset firms) UK FCA registered Cryptoasset Firms Map.

There are now 43 registered Cryptoasset firms appearing on the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) website as at 6th October 2023.  Joining Version 7.0 are three new entrants - Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited, Bitstamp UK Limited and Komainu UK Limited. The FCA register records their registrations effective 12th June, 13th June and 6th October 2023, respectively.  However, leaving the Map is BottlePay Limited which closed its app to UK customers on 24th July 2023.   

As we continue to Map registered Cryptoasset firms, expect to see certain logos appear more than once as several brands will be registering several Cryptoasset firms for different purposes, such as - for example - services for (1) trading and (2) custody. An example of this is in fact Zodia.  While Zodia Markets (UK) Limited was registered on 27 July 2022, its affiliate Zodia Custody Limited was registered effective 15 July 2021.

At the time we released Version 1, there were 218 (thereabouts) unregistered cryptoasset business listed on the UK FCA's website that appear, to the FCA, to be carrying on cryptoasset activity, that are not registered with the FCA for anti-money laundering purposes.  As of today (10 October 2023), that number has decreased to 64.  It was 82 on 1st April 2023.  


The firms thus far registered by the FCA include:

2023: 
Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited, Bitstamp UK Limited and Komainu UK Limited

2022: X Capital Group Limited, Enigma Securities Ltd, Light Technology Limited, eToro (UK) Ltd, Uphold Europe Limited, Wintermute Trading LTD, Rubicon Digital UK Limited, DRW Global Markets Ltd,  Zodia Markets (UK) Limited, Foris DAX UK Ltd (aka Crypto.com), Revolut Ltd*, Tullett Preborn (Europe) Ltd, MoonPay (UK) Ltd and Hidden Road Partners CIV UK Ltd.

2021: Fibermode Limited, Zodia Custody Limited, Ramp Swaps Limited, Solidi Ltd, Coinpass Limited, CoinJar UK Limited, Trustology Limited, Commercial Rapid Payment Technologies Limited, Iconomi Ltd, Skrill Limited, Paysafe Financial Services Limited, Crypto Facilities Ltd, Fidelity Digital Assets LTD, Payward Limited, Galaxy Digital UK Limited, BABB Platform Ltd, BCP Technologies Limited, Zumo Financial Services Limited, Baanx.com Ltd, Bottlepay Ltd [closed July 2023], Genesis Custody Limited and Altalix Ltd. 

2020: Archax Ltd, Gemini Europe Ltd, Gemini Europe Services Ltd, Ziglu Limited and Digivault Limited, 

* Revolut group still has not achieved its much talked about ambition of securing a bank authorisation in the UK.  ​

We are looking forward to seeing how many more will be registered during the remainder of Quarter 3 2023 and in Quarter 4 too.  

The post accompanying Version 7 appears at:
  • ​CompliReg: 
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peteroakes_cryptoasset-cryptoasset-cryptomap-activity-7117551129269268481--Tqs ​
Further Reading:
  • Version 1 of the Map and the Blog of 20 December 2021 - located here
  • Version 2 of the Map and the Blog of 18 July 2022 - located here 
  • Version 3 of the Map and the Blog of 28 July 2022 - located here
  • Version 4 of the Map and the Blog of 20 September 2022 - located here
  • Version 5 of the Map and the Blog of 26 September 2022 - located here
  • Version 6 of the Map and the Blog of 1 April 2023 - located here
  • List of ​Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses as of today - located here
  • Letter issued by UK FCA on 5 April 2023 to UK and overseas cryptoasset firms on financial promotion rules - located here
  • Financial Conduct Authority, has issued 146 alerts in first 24 hours of new crypto marketing regime as at 10 October 2023 - located here.
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Consumer cryptocurrency trading should be regulated as gambling, Treasury Committee says in new report

17/5/2023

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What will be the impact on the 41 registered UK crypto asset firms? 

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The Treasury Committee today calls for consumer trading in unbacked crypto to be regulated as gambling.
In a new report, the cross-party Committee of MPs highlights that cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have no intrinsic value and serve no useful social purpose, while consuming large amounts of energy and being used by criminals in scams, fraud and money laundering.
  • Read the full report (HTML)
  • Read the full report (PDF)
  • Read the report summary
  • Find all publications related to this inquiry, including oral and written evidence

Unbacked cryptoassets – often called cryptocurrencies – are not supported by any underlying asset. They are the most prominent form of crypto, with Bitcoin and Ether alone accounting for two-thirds of all cryptoassets.

The Committee concludes that cryptocurrencies pose significant risks to consumers, given their price volatility and the risk of losses. Given retail trading in unbacked crypto more closely resembles gambling than a financial service, the MPs call on the Government to regulate it as such.
The Committee is also concerned that regulating consumer crypto trading as a financial service – as proposed by the Government – will create a ‘halo’ effect, leading consumers to believe this activity is safe and protected, when it is not.

Around 10 per cent of UK adults hold or have held cryptoassets, according to HM Revenue & Customs.
The MPs recognise that technologies underlying cryptoassets may bring benefits to financial services, particularly for cross-border transactions and payments in less developed countries, and call on the Government and regulators to keep pace with developments so potentially productive innovations are not unduly constrained.

Given the future benefits of crypto remain unclear, the Government should take a balanced approach to supporting the development of cryptoasset technologies and avoid spending public resources on projects without a clear, beneficial use, as appears to have been the case with its now-abandoned Royal Mint non-fungible token (NFT). It is not the Government’s role to promote particular technological innovations for their own sake.

​Chair comment

Commenting on the report, Harriett Baldwin MP, Chair of the Treasury Committee, said:
“The events of 2022 have highlighted the risks posed to consumers by the cryptoasset industry, large parts of which remain a wild west. Effective regulation is clearly needed to protect consumers from harm, as well as to support productive innovation in the UK’s financial services industry.

“However, with no intrinsic value, huge price volatility and no discernible social good, consumer trading of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin more closely resembles gambling than a financial service, and should be regulated as such. By betting on these unbacked ‘tokens’, consumers should be aware that all their money could be lost.

The Committee is considering central bank digital currencies as a separate piece of work.

​​Summary of the report’s key conclusions and recommendations:

  • It is important that the Government and regulators strive to keep pace with developments, including by ensuring that the Financial Conduct Authority's authorisations gateway is open and effective, so that potential productive innovation in financial services is not unduly constrained (Paragraph 31).
  • While we support financial innovation where there are potential benefits, the extent of the benefits cryptoasset technologies may bring to financial services remains unclear. In the meantime, the risks posed by cryptoassets to consumers and the environment are real and present (Paragraph 36).
  • We recommend that the Government takes a balanced approach to supporting the development of cryptoasset technologies. It should seek to avoid expending public resources on supporting cryptoasset activities without a clear, beneficial use case, as appears to have been the case with the Royal Mint NFT. It is not the Government’s role to promote particular technological innovations for their own sake (Paragraph 37).
  • Regardless of the regulatory regime, their price volatility and absence of intrinsic value means that unbacked cryptoassets will inevitably pose significant risks to consumers. Furthermore, consumer speculation in unbacked cryptoassets more closely resembles gambling than it does a financial service. We are concerned that regulating retail trading and investment activity in unbacked cryptoassets as a financial service will create a ‘halo’ effect that leads consumers to believe that this activity is safer than it is, or protected when it is not (Paragraph 51).
  • We strongly recommend that the Government regulates retail trading and investment activity in unbacked cryptoassets as gambling rather than as a financial service (Paragraph 52).

​Further information

​
  • Link to inquiry page 
  • Link to Committee's home page 
Image credit: Pexels
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Tullett Prebon, MoonPay and HiddenRoad join Fintech UK's Who's Who of UK Registered Cryptoasset Map Version 6.0  Saturday 1st April 2023

1/4/2023

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Fintech UK is looking to partner with registered / regulated (or soon to be) cryptoasset firms on building out a cryptoasset section on our website.  If you are senior executive at a UK registered cryptoasset firm, please contact us here to discuss the proposed project.  Also happy to hear from senior executives at businesses which support crypto firms to support the project. See our CRYPTO page for more information

If you are are crypto firm seeking regulatory advice or director services, please contact CompliReg for assistance at the details appearing here and check out its VASP registration and other authorisation services here.

Hope you like the Map (Version 6.0)!

Don't forget to sign up to our Newsletter (we don't spam) by clicking here.  We use MailChimp, which means you can unsubscribe whenever you like.​
Welcome to the version 6.0 of Fintech UK's and CompliReg's (a leading provider of fintech consulting services to crypto asset firms) UK FCA registered Cryptoasset Firms Map.

There are now 41 registered Cryptoasset firms appearing on the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) website as at Saturday 31st December 2022.  Joining Version 6.0 are three new entrants - Tullett Preborn (Europe) Ltd, MoonPay (UK) Ltd and Hidden Road Partners CIV UK Ltd.    The FCA register records their registrations effective 21st November, 9th December and 20 December 2022, respectively.

As we continue to Map registered Cryptoasset firms, expect to see certain logos appear more than once as several brands will be registering several Cryptoasset firms for different purposes, such as - for example - services for (1) trading and (2) custody. An example of this is in fact Zodia.  While Zodia Markets (UK) Limited was registered on 27 July 2022, its affiliate Zodia Custody Limited was registered effective 15 July 2021.

At the time we released Version 1, there were 218 (thereabouts) unregistered cryptoasset business listed on the UK FCA's website that appear, to the FCA, to be carrying on cryptoasset activity, that are not registered with the FCA for anti-money laundering purposes.  As of today (01 April 2023), that number has decreased to 82.  


The firms thus far registered by the FCA include:

2020: Archax Ltd, Gemini Europe Ltd, Gemini Europe Services Ltd, Ziglu Limited, Digivault Limited, 

2021: Fibermode Limited, Zodia Custody Limited, Ramp Swaps Limited, Solidi Ltd, Coinpass Limited, CoinJar UK Limited, Trustology Limited, Commercial Rapid Payment Technologies Limited, Iconomi Ltd, Skrill Limited, Paysafe Financial Services Limited, Crypto Facilities Ltd, Fidelity Digital Assets LTD, Payward Limited, Galaxy Digital UK Limited, BABB Platform Ltd, BCP Technologies Limited, Zumo Financial Services Limited, Baanx.com Ltd, Bottlepay Ltd, Genesis Custody Limited, Altalix Ltd, 

2022: X Capital Group Limited, Enigma Securities Ltd, Light Technology Limited, eToro (UK) Ltd, Uphold Europe Limited, Wintermute Trading LTD, Rubicon Digital UK Limited, DRW Global Markets Ltd,  Zodia Markets (UK) Limited, Foris DAX UK Ltd (aka Crypto.com), Revolut Ltd*, 
Tullett Preborn (Europe) Ltd, MoonPay (UK) Ltd and Hidden Road Partners CIV UK Ltd.

* Revolut group still has not achieved its much talked about ambition of securing a bank authorisation in the UK.  ​

We are looking forward to seeing how many more will be registered during 2023.  Thus far, there have been no registrations in 2023.

The post accompanying Version 6 appears at:
  • ​CompliReg: https://complireg.com/blogs--insights/tullett-prebon-moonpay-and-hiddenroad-join-fintech-uks-whos-who-of-uk-registered-cryptoasset-map-version-60-saturday-1st-april-2023​
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peteroakes_cryptoasset-cryptomap-cryptofirms-activity-7048281954894368768-VbNC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

​
Further Reading:

Version 1 of the Map and the Blog of 20 December 2021 - located here

Version 2 of the Map and the Blog of 18 July 2022 - located here 

Version 3 of the Map and the Blog of 28 July 2022 - located here

Version 4 of the Map and the Blog of 20 September 2022 - located here

Version 5 of the Map and the Blog of 26 September 2022 - located here

List of ​Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses as of today - located here

Postscript - Letter issued by UK FCA on 5 April 2023 to UK and overseas cryptoasset firms on financial promotion rules - located here
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Why is the UK so successful in fintech?  What are the opportunities for fintech in the UK?

30/1/2023

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Why is the UK so successful in fintech?
If you are looking to establish your Fintech in the UK, Ireland or the US, get in contact with Peter Oakes at Armstrong Teasdale.  Our fintech practice has significant cross-disciplinary, cross-border experience essential for established financial services and private equity firms, investors, retailers and other companies accepting digital currency, and startup companies developing the disruptive technologies at the heart of the field’s rapid evolution. 

The UK continues to be ranked as one of the most fintech-friendly countries in the world.

The sector is home to many of the world’s largest fintech companies and is comprised of more than 1,600 firms – a number projected to double by 2030. It is well reported that the UK is a top financial technology hub, but why? 

In terms of fintech investment per capita and as a percentage of GDP, the UK is second only to Singapore.

This comment by the author, Jonathan Warren in the FT Adviser, sums it up:

"It is no coincidence that Singapore and the UK, where fintech investment is highest as a percentage of GDP, have globally respected regulatory frameworks, good infrastructure, and political, economic, legal, and social stability."


Further, the UK is a global fintech hub, with extensive financial services experience, technological talent and progressive regulation.

The UK fintech sector is the top-ranking investment destination in Europe with £3 billion venture capital attracted in 2020. It accounts for more deals and capital invested than Germany, Sweden, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands combined and ranks second globally only behind the US. The UK also has access to world-class talent and a progressive approach to regulation to encourage fintech innovation.  [Postscript 15 February 2023 -  despite investment in UK fintech falling in 2022, British fintechs attracted more funding than their counterparts in the rest of EMEA combined.] 

The UK’s finance and tech sectors and a world-class university system provide a large pool of talent for fintech. Around 76,500 people across the UK work in the industry with this set to grow to 105,500 by 2030. The Global Talent Visa in digital technology is set to attract and fast-track digital tech talent from around the world.

UK fintech sector benefits from a supportive regulatory system. The Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Bank of England are heavily involved in build a competitive and innovation-friendly [and I hasten to add a resilient and robust] business environment. This helps companies grow and develop their fintech business in the UK.

The UK has entered 5 fintech bridge agreements with other fintech hubs including Singapore, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Australia. These bespoke agreements create valuable opportunities for expansion and collaboration by reducing barriers to international markets.

Some of the opportunities in FintechUK are:
  • Payment technology (Paytech)
  • Wealthtech
  • Credit and lendingtech
  • Digital banking
  • Distributed Ledger Tech (DLT)
  • Digital Assets
  • Digital / Crypto Currencies
  • Proposed UK Digital Pound 

Read more at:
  • https://www.armstrongteasdale.com/fintech/
  • https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peteroakes_fintech-irishfintech-fintechbridge-activity-7034065608975511552-SGz1
  • https://www.ftadviser.com/investments/2023/01/30/why-is-the-uk-so-successful-in-fintech/
  • https://www.great.gov.uk/international/content/investment/sectors/fintech/
​
Posted by Peter Oakes FintechUK.com
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Revolut (finally) joins the UK Registered Cryptoasset Map Version 5.0  Monday 26th September 2022

26/9/2022

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Click Image for Larger Version
Fintech UK is looking to partner with registered / regulated (or soon to be) cryptoasset firms on building out a cryptoasset section on our website.  If you are senior executive at a UK registered cryptoasset firm, please contact us here to discuss the proposed project.  Also happy to hear from senior executives at businesses which support crypto firms to support the project. See our CRYPTO page for more information

If you are are crypto firm seeking regulatory advice or director services, please contact CompliReg for assistance at the details appearing here and check out its VASP registration and other authorisation services here.

Hope you like the Map (Version 5.0)!
Don't forget to sign up to our Newsletter (we don't spam) by clicking here.  We use MailChimp, which means you can unsubscribe whenever you like.​
Welcome to the version 5.0 of Fintech UK's and CompliReg's (a leading provider of fintech consulting services to crypto asset firms) UK FCA registered Cryptoasset Firms Map.

There are now 38 registered Cryptoasset firms appearing on the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) website as at Tuesday 16th August 2022.  Welcome to Revolut.    The FCA register records Revolut Ltd  registration effective 26th September 2022.  Did you know that Martin Gilbert is Chairman of Revolut Ltd.  He is the Chairman of AssetCo plc which is authorised by the FCA.

Revolut has had quite a journey to be come a FCA registered cryptoasset firm.  As far as we can tell, while other smaller and less resourced crypto firms were getting through the FCA process, Revolut Ltd sat on the Temporary Permission list since at least from December 2021.  But all is well that ends well, right?



As we continue to Map registered Cryptoasset firms, expect to see certain logos appear more than once as several brands will be registering several Cryptoasset firms for different purposes, such as - for example - services for (1) trading and (2) custody. An example of this is in fact Zodia.  While Zodia Markets (UK) Limited was registered on 27 July 2022, its affiliate Zodia Custody Limited was registered effective 15 July 2021.

At the time we released Version 1, there were 218 (thereabouts) unregistered cryptoasset business listed on the UK FCA's website that appear, to the FCA, to be carrying on cryptoasset activity, that are not registered with the FCA for anti-money laundering purposes.  As of today (26 September 2022), that number is steady at 246.  


The firms thus far registered by the FCA include:

2020: Archax Ltd, Gemini Europe Ltd, Gemini Europe Services Ltd, Ziglu Limited, Digivault Limited, 

2021: Fibermode Limited, Zodia Custody Limited, Ramp Swaps Limited, Solidi Ltd, Coinpass Limited, CoinJar UK Limited, Trustology Limited, Commercial Rapid Payment Technologies Limited, Iconomi Ltd, Skrill Limited, Paysafe Financial Services Limited, Crypto Facilities Ltd, Fidelity Digital Assets LTD, Payward Limited, Galaxy Digital UK Limited, BABB Platform Ltd, BCP Technologies Limited, Zumo Financial Services Limited, Baanx.com Ltd, Bottlepay Ltd, Genesis Custody Limited, Altalix Ltd, 

2022: X Capital Group Limited, Enigma Securities Ltd, Light Technology Limited, eToro (UK) Ltd, Uphold Europe Limited, Wintermute Trading LTD, Rubicon Digital UK Limited, DRW Global Markets Ltd,  Zodia Markets (UK) Limited, Foris DAX UK Ltd (aka Crypto.com) and Revolut Ltd.

And of course the Revolut group is still pursing its much talked about bank authorisation in the UK.  ​

We are looking forward to seeing how many more will be registered before the end of the year.

The post accompanying Version 5 appears at:
  • ​CompliReg: https://complireg.com/blogs--insights/revolut-finally-joins-the-uk-registered-cryptoasset-map-version-50-monday-26th-september-2022
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peteroakes_cryptoasset-fca-cryptoasset-activity-6980821130584412160-_63O?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

​
Further Reading:

Version 1 of the Map and the Blog of 20 December 2021 - located here

Version 2 of the Map and the Blog of 18 July 2022 - located here 

Version 3 of the Map and the Blog of 28 July 2022 - located here

Version 4 of the Map and the Blog of 20 September 2022 - located here

List of ​Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses as at 20 September 2022 - located here
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UK Registered Cryptoasset Map Version 3.0 Thursday 28th July 2022

28/7/2022

0 Comments

 
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Fintech UK is looking to partner with registered / regulated (or soon to be) cryptoasset firms on building out a cryptoasset section on our website.  If you are senior executive at a UK registered cryptoasset firm, please contact us here to discuss the proposed project.  Also happy to hear from senior executives at businesses which support crypto firms to support the project. See our CRYPTO page for more information

If you are are crypto firm seeking regulatory advice or director services, please contact CompliReg for assistance at the details appearing here and check out its VASP registration and other authorisation services here.

Hope you like the Map (Version 3.0)!

Don't forget to sign up to our Newsletter (we don't spam) by clicking here.  We use MailChimp, which means you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
Welcome to the second edition (version 3.0) of Fintech UK's and CompliReg's (a leading provider of fintech consulting services to crypto asset firms) UK FCA registered Cryptoasset Firms Map.

There are now 36 registered Cryptoasset firms appearing on the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) website as at Thursday 28th July 2022.  Welcome to Zodia Markets.  The FCA register records Zodia Markets registration effective 27th July 2022.  We also took the opportunity to update Solidi's logo too.

We will not repeat what we said in our Blog on Version 2, which was released recently on Monday 18th July 2022.  You can read the Version 2 blog here. 

As we continue to Map registered Cryptoasset firms, expect to see certain logos appear more than once as several brands will be registering several Cryptoasset firms for different purposes, such as - for example - services for (1) trading and (2) custody. An example of this is in fact Zodia.  While Zodia Markets (UK) Limited was registered on 27 July 2022, its affiliate Zodia Custody Limited was registered effective 15 July 2021.

At the time we released Version 1, there were 218 (thereabouts) unregistered cryptoasset business listed on the UK FCA's website that appear, to the FCA, to be carrying on cryptoasset activity, that are not registered with the FCA for anti-money laundering purposes.  As of today, that number has remained steady at 248 since 18th July 2022..

The firms thus far registered by the FCA include:

2020: Archax Ltd, Gemini Europe Ltd, Gemini Europe Services Ltd, Ziglu Limited, Digivault Limited, 

2021: Fibermode Limited, Zodia Custody Limited, Ramp Swaps Limited, Solidi Ltd, Coinpass Limited, CoinJar UK Limited, Trustology Limited, Commercial Rapid Payment Technologies Limited, Iconomi Ltd, Skrill Limited, Paysafe Financial Services Limited, Crypto Facilities Ltd, Fidelity Digital Assets LTD, Payward Limited, Galaxy Digital UK Limited, BABB Platform Ltd, BCP Technologies Limited, Zumo Financial Services Limited, Baanx.com Ltd, Bottlepay Ltd, Genesis Custody Limited, Altalix Ltd, 

2022: X Capital Group Limited, Enigma Securities Ltd, Light Technology Limited, eToro (UK) Ltd, Uphold Europe Limited, Wintermute Trading LTD, Rubicon Digital UK Limited, DRW Global Markets Ltd and Zodia Markets (UK) Limited

Revolut Ltd, as of today, is the only firm listed on the Temporary Registration list and it was listed on December 2021 list too.  Interestingly, in addition to a cryptoasset registration, the Revolut group hasn't achieved obtaining of its much talked about bank authorisation in the UK either.  ​

We are looking forward to seeing how many more will be registered before the end of the year.

The post accompanying Version 2 appears at:
  • ​CompliReg: https://complireg.com/blogs--insights/uk-registered-cryptoasset-map-version-20-monday-18th-july-2021
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peteroakes_fintechuk-crypto-digitalasset-activity-6954800838179491840-lCjM?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web

Further Reading:

Version 1 of the Map and the Blog of 20 December 2021 - located here

Version 2 of the Map and the Blog of 18 July 2022 - located here 

List of ​Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses as at 28 July 2022 - located here
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Barclays snaps up stake in $2bn cryptocurrency firm Copper

25/7/2022

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Barclays Bank is reportedly taking a stake in Copper, a prominent name in the fast-evolving cryptocurrency sector.

The UK's Sky News reports that the UK-based bank is among a crop of new investors joining a funding round for Copper, which counts former chancellor Lord Hammond among its advisers.  The news agency reports that "City sources said Barclays was expected to invest a relatively modest sum in the millions of dollars as part of the round." and the fundraising is expected to be finalised within days.

Copper's strapline is that it provides an institutional gateway to digital asset investing through a trading system without moving assets to exchanges, eliminating the risk of hacked, frozen, or misappropriated assets.

It was reported earlier this year that Copper was targeting a valuation of at least $3bn in its latest capital raise but has since scaled that back, reflecting the growing crisis in the wider crypto-assets sector.  

Apparently Copper has also grown frustrated with the approach of UK financial regulators, prompting it to establish a hub in Switzerland instead.  That explains why Copper doesn't appear on Version 2 of Fintech UK's registered cryptoasset Map released last week.


​Barclays and Copper declined to comment.

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Copper's UK business not on Fintech UK's registered cryptoasset Map
​Copper, founded by Dmitry Tokarev in 2018, has drawn investors from big names in the global venture capital sector, such as LocalGlobe, Dawn Capital and MMC Ventures. Its institutional gateway provides custody, trading, and settlement solutions across 450 crypto- assets and more than 40 exchanges. 
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State Street to develop digital custody in collaboration with Copper.co
Copper, recently together with Street Corporation, announced today that State Street Digital had entered into a licensing agreement through which State Street Digital will leverage Copper.co’s technology to develop and, subject to receipt of regulatory and other approvals, launch an institutional grade digital custody offering where clients can store and settle their digital assets within a secure environment operated by State Street. The firm will leverage its robust infrastructure and vast experience to assist clients’ transition and thrive in the new digital economy.


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UK Registered Cryptoasset Map Version 2.0 Monday 18th July 2022

18/7/2022

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Click for larger image
Fintech UK is looking to partner with registered / regulated (or soon to be) cryptoasset firms on building out a cryptoasset section on our website.  If you are senior executive at a UK registered cryptoasset firm, please contact us here to discuss the proposed project.  Also happy to hear from senior executives at businesses which support crypto firms to support the project. See our CRYPTO page for more information

If you are are crypto firm seeking regulatory advice or director services, please contact CompliReg for assistance at the details appearing here and check out its VASP registration and other authorisation services here.

Hope you like the Map (Version 2.0)!


Don't forget to sign up to our Newsletter (we don't spam) by clicking here.  We use MailChimp, which means you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
Welcome to the second edition (version 2.0) of Fintech UK's and CompliReg's (a leading provider of fintech consulting services to crypto asset firms) UK FCA registered Cryptoasset Firms Map.

There are now 35 registered Cryptoasset firms appearing on the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) website as at Monday 18th July 2022.

The first 5 of these firms were registered in 2020. According to the FCA's records, the first registered Cryptoasset firm was Archax on 18 August 2020.  Then in 2021, the FCA registered 22 crypto firms.  Thus far in 2022, the FCA has registered 8 crypto firms.  The most recent to be registered is DRW (7 June 2021).

As we pointed out when we released Version 1.0 of the Map, 2021 saw a flurry of activity and especially in the last quarter of 2021 when 16 firms received their Cryptoasset registration from the FCA - that was a  whopping 60% of the total pool of registered firms at that time. At the current rate, the number of firms registered in 2022 may be less than that in 2021, unless the FCA registers a large pile of crypto firms in the second half of 2022.

As we continue to Map registered Cryptoasset firms, expect to see certain logos appear more than once as several brands will be registering several Cryptoasset firms for different purposes, such as - for example - services for (1) trading and (2) custody. 

At the time we released Version 1, there were 218 (thereabouts) unregistered cryptoasset business listed on the UK FCA's website that appear, to the FCA, to be carrying on cryptoasset activity, that are not registered with the FCA for anti-money laundering purposes.  As of today, that number has increased to 248.
The firms thus far registered by the FCA include:

2020: Archax Ltd, Gemini Europe Ltd, Gemini Europe Services Ltd, Ziglu Limited, Digivault Limited, 

2021: Fibermode Limited, Zodia Custody Limited, Ramp Swaps Limited, Solidi Ltd, Coinpass Limited, CoinJar UK Limited, Trustology Limited, Commercial Rapid Payment Technologies Limited, Iconomi Ltd, Skrill Limited, Paysafe Financial Services Limited, Crypto Facilities Ltd, Fidelity Digital Assets LTD, Payward Limited, Galaxy Digital UK Limited, BABB Platform Ltd, BCP Technologies Limited, Zumo Financial Services Limited, Baanx.com Ltd, Bottlepay Ltd, Genesis Custody Limited, Altalix Ltd, 

2022: X Capital Group Limited, Enigma Securities Ltd, Light Technology Limited, eToro (UK) Ltd, Uphold Europe Limited, Wintermute Trading LTD, Rubicon Digital UK Limited and  DRW Global Markets Ltd

When we released Version 1 we noted that there were 37 firms Cryptoasset firms with Temporary Registration.  You will see 39 on the previous list, but two of those firms were in fact registered - thus there seemed to be a timing issue of the records at the FCA. Regardless, some of the 37 achieved FCA registration in 2022 and others have dropped of the current list.  Revolut Ltd, as of today, is the only firm listed on the Temporary Registration list and it was listed on December 2021 list too.  Interestingly, in addition to a cryptoasset registration, the Revolut group hasn't achieved the obtaining of its much talked about bank authorisation in the UK either.  ​
We are looking forward to seeing how many more will be registered before the end of the year.
This post also appears at:
  • ​CompliReg: https://complireg.com/blogs--insights/uk-registered-cryptoasset-map-version-20-monday-18th-july-2021
  • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peteroakes_fintechuk-crypto-digitalasset-activity-6954800838179491840-lCjM?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
Version 1 of the Map and the Blog of 20 December 2021 - located here
List of ​Unregistered Cryptoasset Businesses as at 18 July 2022 - located here
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