Santander said in an emailed statement on Friday that it will prohibit UK clients from transferring real-time payments to cryptocurrency exchanges beginning next year as part of steps to safeguard customers from fraudsters.

## When will the block begin?

The bank will implement a plan meaning all payments made to cryptocurrency exchanges via telephone banking and in-branch payments will be blocked, as well as internet and mobile banking, at an unspecified point in 2023.

The bank will follow in the footsteps of other UK retail banks in restricting client transfers to cryptocurrency exchanges. For transfers to crypto exchanges via mobile and online banking, its users will face restrictions of 1,000 pounds ($1,123) per transaction and 3,000 pounds overall in any rolling 30-day period. Last year, the [Natwest Group](https://www.reuters.com/technology/natwest-caps-transfers-crypto-exchanges-including-binance-over-fraud-concerns-2021-06-29/) in the United Kingdom set a daily limit for consumers to transmit to bitcoin exchanges. 

Customers will still be able to receive crypto [exchange](/news/article/best-exchanges-for-crypto-uk) payments into their accounts. [According to a note](https://www.santander.co.uk/personal/support/fraud-and-security/cryptocurrency) on the bank's website, there has been a significant increase in the number of UK clients who have become victims of cryptocurrency fraud in recent months. Global regulators have warned of the risks of scams and fraud in the primarily unregulated realm of cryptocurrency trading.

A spokeswoman for Santander stated that securing our clients from cryptocurrency fraud is a primary concern. "We want to further safeguard clients by barring all faster payments we find from Santander accounts to cryptocurrency exchanges - this will come into play in 2023".

## Faster Payments in the UK that Santander News refers to

Faster Payments is the infrastructure that enables real-time bank transactions for most UK bank accounts. Pay UK, which owns the respective company, stated in an email that it is working with authorities and the [payments](/news/article/russia-approves-cross-border-crypto) sector to create and implement more robust protection for fraud victims. 

Santander said it would continue to prohibit all payments to the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, a policy implemented in July 2021 in response to a warning from the UK's financial authority regarding the exchange. Binance did not reply immediately to a request for comment.




Santander UK news - Crypto transfers blocked

## FTX UK warning - not authorized to operate in United Kingdom, warns FCA

A notification about FTX exchange's UK operations has been issued by Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The statement said that FTX, one of the world's largest crypto exchanges, is not authorized to operate in the UK.

[The statement](https://www.fca.org.uk/news/warnings/ftx), first published on 16 September, 2022, said the FCA believed FTX might be providing financial services or products without authorization. It further stated that the firm is not authorized by the FCA and is targeting people in the UK.

Referring to FTX UK operations, the statement added that "almost all firms and individuals" who offer, promote, or sell financial services in the UK must be registered. When asked about the notice, a spokesperson of the exchange told [Bloomberg ](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-19/uk-regulator-issues-warning-on-crypto-exchange-ftx-to-consumers?sref=3REHEaVI)that they were aware of the FTX UK statement by the FCA. They also noted that among the contact info listed about the exchange, the phone numbers were incorrect, indicating a scammer might be impersonating it. 
On 19 September, 2022, Sam Bankman-Fried, the firm's CEO, [tweeted](https://twitter.com/SBF_FTX/status/1571877868963233792?s=20&t=v-X6cbEyYbmN__tYUB-R2A), reiterating that a scammer was impersonating the platform in the UK by phone. In the tweet, he stated that the exchange will never call anyone by phone and provided links that allowed access to the platform.

As of 14 October, the FCA has updated its warning against the platform to exclude the phone numbers believed to be tied to scammers. However, the regulator still warns UK citizens against engaging with the platform as it is unauthorized to operate in the country.

The statement warned UK citizens about engaging with unauthorized firms. Those who engage with unauthorized firms will not be able to access the Financial Ombudsman Service that settles disputes between companies and individuals.

There will also not be protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). If anything goes wrong and they lose their funds, they might not be able to recover the money.

## About the exchange

Launched in May 2019, FTX is a multibillion-dollar crypto exchange and trading platform owned by Bankman-Fried. It is incorporated in Antigua and Barbuda and headquartered in the Bahamas.

It has more than a million users worldwide and is available in many countries. While it is not available in the US, among other countries, it offers US citizens its services through FTX US.

The firm is not the only crypto asset firm to be put in the spotlight by Britain’s regulator for conducting business in the UK without authorization. [Binance](/news/article/guide-to-binance-uk), another major global crypto exchange, has been issued several warnings by the regulator about its activities in the UK. On 7 March, 2022, the firm was warned against undertaking any regulated activities in the UK without their written consent.

So far, only a few crypto asset firms are authorized by the regulator to operate in the UK. They include Gemini, Kraken, and Crypto.com.

FTX UK Warning from FCA

A [press release](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cryptocurrency-trading-firm-shut-down-after-scamming-investors) issued by UK authorities has confirmed that cryptocurrency trading firm PGI Global UK has been shut down by the High Court.

The announcement from the UK Government was published yesterday (27 October). It was released by The Insolvency Agency, which is an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy.

## PGI Global promised 200% returns

Between July 2020 and February 2021, the UK-based business gathered around £612,000, or $710,000, from potential investors. It told these investors that their investments in the firm would provide a 200% return. When it failed to keep its commitment, it forbade its investors from withdrawing their money.

Investigations discovered that the business utilised three accounts to collect the payments. As a result, PGI had allegedly diverted about £200,000 by paying no less than £195,000 to personal accounts and £10,000 to a luxury department shop.

## Director fails to comply

According to the Court, Ramil Ventura Palafox, the company's only director, refused to participate in the [inquiry](/news/article/token-sniffer-threats) into the charges. 
Furthermore, Insolvency Service Chief Investigator Mark George emphasises that limited liability safeguards need compliance with the Companies Act by both companies and individuals. 

He adds that this case demonstrates that if we have legitimate concerns about a firm's trading practices, the court will take a poor view of any failure to cooperate with a statutory investigation and will wind up with the company in the public interest. 

## Background

PGI UK is a subsidiary of Praetorian Group International Trading, which is in the United States. After obtaining a seizure warrant from the US District [Court](/news/article/xrp-court-case-update) for the Eastern side of Virginia, the US Department of Justice closed the corporation.

According to a Chainalysis [analysis](https://blog.chainalysis.com/reports/2022-crypto-crime-report-introduction/), cryptocurrency-related crime hit an all-time high in 2021, with illegitimate addresses collecting $14 billion, up from $7.8 billion in 2020. In contrast, according to another Intelligent CIO [analysis](https://www.intelligentcio.com/me/2022/08/22/crypto-criminal-activity-has-fallen-in-2022-with-illicit-cryptocurrency-volumes-down-15-yoy/), illicit cryptocurrency volumes fell 15% year over year in 2022, owing to a decline in crypto-criminal activities.



PGI Global Closed by UK High Court

When you first start investing in crypto, where do you even begin? Crypto cards are the answer to this question. These cards offer a convenient way to invest in top cryptos and get into the space at a low cost.

There are many crypto card services available in the market today, but not all of them are worth your time and money. Before you dive in and purchase any card, make sure that it meets certain criteria that make it stand out from the rest. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to buy cryptocurrency prepaid debit cards in the UK.

### 1. What are crypto cards and how do they work?

Crypto cards are a way to invest in top crypto currencies without spending much money. You can load the card with any amount of cryptocurrency and use it at digital stores around the world. These cards also offer tax-free investment opportunities as well.

This allows you to make purchases with your crypto that have tax-free benefits when you use them on your card. No matter where you go, you can use your crypto for a variety of purposes, from buying goods and services to paying for flights and hotels in other countries.

### 2. The top three crypto cards in the UK

#### 2.1 Crypto IRA

This is a great option for those looking to invest in crypto without having to worry about the volatility of the market. With a Crypto IRA, you can get all of the benefits of investing in cryptos without having to pay any taxes on your profits.
The best part is that you can use your card at any ATM or digital store that accepts Visa. You can also use it to make purchases online and in-app.
This is one of the best ways to get started with cryptos without having to put any money down. All you need is a valid ID and you can start using your card right away.

#### 2.2 Bittylicious

This is another great option for those looking to invest in crypto without having to put any money down. Bittylicious allows you to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum with a credit or debit card. You can also use it to make purchases online and in-app.
The best part about Bittylicious is that there are no fees for buying or selling cryptos. You can also get started with as little as £20.

This is a great option for those who want to get started with cryptos without having to put any money down. All you need is a valid ID and you can start using your card right away.

Bittylicious also has a great referral program where you can earn £20 for every friend that you refer.
If you’re looking to get started with cryptos without having to put any money down, then Bittylicious is the way to go.

#### 2.3 [Cryptopay](https://cryptopay.me/)

This is a great option for those looking to use their crypto for everyday purchases. Cryptopay allows you to use your Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and XRP to make purchases at over 33 million merchants worldwide.
You can also use your card to withdraw cash at ATMs or send money to friends and family. The best part is that there are no fees for using your card.

If you’re looking for a great way to use your crypto for everyday purchases, then Cryptopay is the way to go.

### 3. How to choose the right crypto card for you

Not all crypto cards are created equal. If you don't know what you're looking for, it can be difficult to find an option that fits your needs. Before you buy, make sure that the card offers services with which you are comfortable.

For example, some cards offer a completely anonymous experience. Others don’t offer any fee discounts or protections but do provide a customer service line or the customer support team who can help if needed.

If you’re not convinced by this point about where to buy your card and want more information on how each card works and the fees that come with it, then we recommend checking out our comparison of the best crypto cards in the UK.

### 4. The benefits of using a crypto card

The biggest benefit of using a crypto card is that it provides you with an easy and secure way to invest in cryptos. Some cards also offer the option of investing in traditional fiat currencies like Pound Sterling or US Dollars and converting to cryptocurrency at the time of sale.

This means that you can invest in cryptos even if your bank doesn’t support them. This flexibility is one of the main reasons why people choose to use a crypto card to be their primary method of investing in crypto. What other investment strategy lets you buy stocks, bonds, futures, and cryptocurrencies all from one place?

### 5. Things to consider before choosing a crypto card

The most important things to consider before you make a decision about any crypto card is the initial purchase amount, signing up for recurring payments, crypto card conversion rates, and fees, transferring funds to a bank account and the delivery guarantees information that can be found on the official website of each crypto card, so it is important to do your due diligence and make sure that the crypto card you choose meets your requirements.

### 6. How to use your crypto card

First, you’ll need to open an account with the company that issued your card. Then, you’ll need to go through a verification process to ensure identity and safety. Once this is done, it will be easy to start buying crypto with your card.

Cryptocurrency cards are easy to use and can be managed on their website. Once you have purchased your card, you will be able to deposit funds into it using a wire transfer or debit card. You will then be able to buy any type of cryptocurrency available and trade it in for whatever fiat or crypto currency you desire.

Crypto cards are like cryptocurrency ATMs where they are attached directly to the blockchain so that you never have to worry about losing your money or having anything stolen from your wallet.

For more crypto guides go to [Latest Moni](/news).


The Best Crypto Cards in the UK

The Financial Conduct Authority ([FCA](https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-establishes-temporary-registration-regime-cryptoasset-businesses)), responsible for cryptocurrency regulation in the UK, has closed its TRR program. The TRR, or Temporary Registration Regime, was a scheme that allowed digital asset firms to get an interim UK [crypto license](/news/tag/crypto-legal-news). 

Through it, the firms could start their operations in the country while they wait for complete registration. 

However, now the FCA has ended the temporary licensing program for the companies. This step was taken after the digital banking platform [Revolut](/news/article/revolut-news-approved-eea) acquired FCA registration. The company was the last among five waiting for the regulators' approval. As it secured the authorisation, regulators shut down the program.

## UK crypto license TRR initiative

The British regulators took the initiative of interim authorisation in 2020. At that time, it was for the virtual asset firms already providing their services in the country. More than 100 cryptocurrency-related firms entered this scheme to acquire the regulatory body's approval. However, it only deemed 38 among them to be following the [regulations](/news/tag/regulation).  

The program would have been shut down earlier as the British regulatory body announced March 31 as the deadline for complete approval. However, a few companies, including Revolut, got an extension to secure the approval. 

Five digital asset firms were still working in the country in early April without complete authorisation. Besides Revolut, [CEX.io](https://cex.io/), [GlobalBlock](https://www.globalblock.eu/), [Copper.co](https://copper.co/), and [Moneybrain](https://www.moneybrain.com/) were the remaining companies. All these four companies were denied authorisation or withdrew themselves by the end of June. 

On the other hand, Revolut remained the last company on the list. It secured registration in September, marking the TRR program’s end for a license. 

British regulators are known for their absolute measures for [anti-money laundering regulations](/news/article/crypto-aml). That’s why cryptocurrency firms do not get registered easily in the country. With the closing of TRR licensing, they have ensured that non-registered companies [do not operate](/news/article/ftx-uk-ban) in the country.


UK Crypto License Update

Digital bank [Revolut](https://www.revolut.com/), fintech unicorn based in London, has been granted permission to provide cryptocurrency services in the UK after passing the FCA's (Financial Conduct Authority) requirements for anti-money laundering.

The $33 billion valued digital bank Revoult was added to the [crypto asset firm register](https://register.fca.org.uk/s/search?predefined=CA) of the UK financial watchdog on September 26. 

Revolut had been attempting to get listed on the FCA's register since January 2021. The company has been operating as an authorised electronic money institution since May 2018.

The firm had previously offered cryptocurrency buying, selling, and trading to UK customers under the FCA's Temporary Registration Regime (TRR), which was designed to allow businesses to continue operating while their applications were being reviewed.

When the approval deadline passed at the end of March this year, the FCA allowed a limited number of companies to remain on the TRR. Revolut was one of five companies listed on TRR, alongside CEX.I0, Copper Technologies, GlobalBlock, and Moneybrain. None of the other four firms were later approved.

With the addition of the Revolut bank to the UK’s crypto asset firm register, there are now 38 companies authorised to provide custodial and exchange services for crypto assets.

## Other firms to win FCA crypto regulation

The [FCA](/news/article/ftx-uk-ban) was designated as the UK's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing authority at the beginning of 2020. Since then, any firm wishing to engage in crypto activity in the UK has been required to register with the organisation under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017.

[Gemini](/news/article/gemini-crypto-exchange), [Kraken](/news/article/kraken-ceo), eToro, and Archax are among the other firms that have met the FCA's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) standards.

Crypto exchange, crypto.com was the most recent addition, joining the list in August.

Currently, 38 of 248 crypto firms seeking registration have met the FCA's standards and have been granted permission to operate in the UK.





Digital Bank Revolut gets approval to offer crypto services in UK

The United Kingdom's interest in [Bitcoin](/news/article/btc-crashes-below-$19k) will grow "very quickly," as fiat currency volatility makes BTC appear to be a stablecoin. That was the conclusion of a strategy adviser at investment firm VanEck, who was one of many this week to [highlight](https://twitter.com/gaborgurbacs/status/1574467136168366094) the cryptocurrencies' appeal over the pound. The GBP weakness comes on the back of UK tax cuts and a 0.5% change in interest rates.

The strength of the US dollar has come at the expense of trading partner currencies, most notably the euro, pound, and Japanese yen. The pound's demise accelerated this week, with GBP/USD reaching a record low of nearly $1.03. The Bank of England has avoided interventions thus far, as nerves are fraying as purchasing power suffers a double blow from currency weakness and inflation at four-year highs. 

At one point, the pound was down nearly 25% yearly in dollar terms. While [TradingView](https://www.tradingview.com/symbols/BTCUSD/?exchange=BINANCE) data shows that [BTC](/news/article/bitcoin-drop) outperforms it by 56%, the longer the time horizon, the more appealing a BTC hedge becomes.

[According](https://twitter.com/jbutterfill/status/1574750120222023680) to CoinShares head of research James Butterfill, trade volume for the GBP/BTC pair on exchanges Bitstamp and Bitfinex reached a massive $881 million on Sept. 26 — an increase of more than 1,150%. He added, "when a FIAT currency is threatened, investors begin to favour Bitcoin."
 
![Untitled design (21).png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Untitled_design_21_f830b5b06a.png)

## Bitcoin Price UK - G20 realising the need for a BTC hedge

Meanwhile, Gurbacs acknowledged that, while he "might be overly optimistic about the UK," G20 countries could still implement a major policy shift regarding BTC acceptance. "Bitcoin, like gold, could be used as a hedge against their policies. Which is worth a small percentage allocation and support," he added. 

Aside from the pound, data show that the major fiat currencies are suffering more from a rising dollar than emerging market currencies (EMs).

![Untitled design (22).png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Untitled_design_22_572b9c4feb.png)









Bitcoin price and trade volume has increases in UK

On Thursday, the UK government released [an Economic crime and Corporate Transparency bill](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-crackdown-on-fraud-and-money-laundering-to-protect-uk-economy) to tackle illicit finance funnelled through the crypto ecosystem. The UK crypto bill aims to increase law enforcement's ability to target [cryptocurrencies](/articles/learn-moni/cryptocurrency-trading-strategies) used for unlawful activities to target money laundering and fraud.

As of now, the bill is scheduled to have its second hearing on Oct 13th.

##  UK crypto bill purpose

The [UK crypto](/news/article/crypto-price-uk) bill released in Parliament on Thursday strives to keep "dirty money" out of the nation. The proposed legislation included measures to reduce "red tape around confidentiality liability" and give law enforcement the power "to compel businesses to hand over information related to money laundering or terrorist financing," including crypto.

The bill specifically targets those involved in illegal activities like money laundering, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, in addition to [cryptocurrency](/articles/learn-moni/cryptocurrency-prices), which acts as a critical enabler. This bill will help the relevant authorities in their quest for cryptocurrencies that have been used fraudulently.

The bill mandates the new upcoming companies in the UK to verify their identities. This includes cross-checking data with public and private partners and listing suspicious activity to security and law enforcement agencies.

The bill is meant to build on the previous Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act, which helped regulators impose sanctions on Russia and freeze relevant assets in the country. Regulators are concerned that some Russians use cryptocurrency to circumvent sanctions imposed by Ukraine's invasion.

## UK government active with crypto activities

According to [reports](https://www.policeprofessional.com/news/mps-makes-record-breaking-180m-cryptocurrency-seizure/), in July 2021, the Met police reportedly seized 180 million pounds in a money laundering investigation. This incident took place just after a month when Met police seized 114 million pounds in cryptocurrency linked to international money laundering.

Cryptocurrency has been a vital ground for criminals to execute their illicit activities. But, with new reforms and bills, the UK government is preparing to tackle dirty money and target unlawful crypto activities in the nation.



UK released a crypto bill to tackle illegal finance

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), responsible for crypto regulation in the UK, has reiterated the unauthorised status of FTX. Recently,[ FCA issued a warning](https://www.fca.org.uk/news/warnings/ftx) for the consumers in the country that the exchange is working without approval. The regulating body has added the company to the list of unregistered digital asset firms. Following this, the FTX UK ban is expected. 

The crypto exchange had planned to seek[ expansion into the UK](/news/article/ftx-expansion) and European markets in March 2022. The Sam Bankman-Fried exchange pursued approval from the British regulators. However, FCA’s strict enforcement of anti-money laundering laws has not allowed the business to get the registration.

## FCA’s warning for consumers

The warning issued by the crypto market watchdog says, “We believe this firm may be providing financial services or products in the UK without our authorisation.” It cautioned the investors that they would not get their money back in case of losses. 

It also mentioned that the consumers of this service would not be eligible for Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Moreover, regulators advised that consumers must deal with registered firms to protect themselves financially. 

## Enforcement of crypto regulations in the UK

This is not the first instance of such a warning from the British regulating body. Earlier, they issued warnings for several virtual asset service providers. Among them, a famous firm is Binance. Last year, in June, regulators deemed the activities of Binance to be unauthorised, which led the firm to relocate its headquarters to Ireland.

Meanwhile, FCA received around 248 applications for authorisation. But only 37 are registered cryptocurrency and digital asset companies in the country. Recently, Crypto.com has been one firm to get approval. Other known names to get the approval are eToro UK, Rubicon Digital Limited, DRW Global Markets LTD, Uphold Europe Limited, etc.

## Will it lead to an FTX UK ban?

Britain’s policies have been strict for the enforcement of [regulations](/news/article/fca-crypto-regulation). The list of unapproved firms indicates that. FTX has become the latest company on the list. Regardless of the strict enforcement, the regulators have not yet pushed for a complete ban on any firm. Therefore, an FTX UK ban also looks unlikely. Nonetheless, this step may affect the company’s operations in the region. 


FTX UK ban expected, FCA iterates unlicensed status

The UK's currency, the Sterling, fell to 1 GBP/1.1403 USD, surpassing the trough of 1 GBP/1.1412 USD dollars seen at the start of the global pandemic in March 2020, before recovering to 1 GBP/1.15 USD. The Sterling has currently fallen 19% against the dollar since January.

The sharp drop in the pound's value could attract investors to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, lift crypto price and encourage adoption in the UK. According to new research, the UK is the only major European economy that has seen massive growth in crypto adoption since the beginning of the year. Investors hope to recover from Sterling's price drop by moving toward crypto adoption.

According to Chainalysis, one of the likely causes of the UK's dominance in crypto is the city's thriving tech scene and world-class financial institutions. Decentralised finance, or DeFi, financial services operating on blockchain technology, accounts for just under half of all [crypto activity in the UK](/news/article/best-exchanges-for-crypto-uk).

The United Kingdom is ranked 17th worldwide for cryptocurrency adoption, up four spots from 2021. According to a [February 2022 survey](https://www.finder.com/uk/cryptocurrency-statistics), the cryptocurrency ownership rate in the United Kingdom is 6.1%. The number of cryptocurrency investors in the United Kingdom had increased by 103% since the start of 2018 when only 3% of the people - 1.5 million – owned cryptocurrencies.

Other than the United States, it is the only high-income country in the top 20. Other countries near the top list are emerging markets with volatile currencies and capital controls. Vietnam came in first place, followed by the Philippines and Ukraine.

## Kim Grauer Statement 

In conversation with the [Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/business/plunging-pound-could-be-lifting-uk-crypto-growth-b1025566.html), Kim Grauer, Director of Research at Chainalysis, gave the following statements:

"I don't think people think, 'the pound is down, so I'll turn to crypto,' but as the pound falls, other options may become more appealing -' my portfolio is seeing lower returns, let me think about other options.'

"One of the biggest reasons...many countries around the world push people into crypto is capital controls that make it free to transact," Grauer explained.

"Those people are happy to use crypto as an alternative, which is a different reason than in India, where people use it for NFTs."




Plunging pound could lift crypto price in the UK

CoinSmart

Liz Truss is set to assume the role of United Kingdom’s Prime Minister as she won the elections for Conservative party leader. Truss secured 57.4% votes for the position. On the other hand, her counterpart, Rishi Sunak, attained 42.6% of the votes. 

Since 2021, she has served as Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. 

Previously, since 2019, she has been performing the Women and Equalities Minister role. She has also been a member of the previous three premier’s cabinets, including David Cameron, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson. And now, she has become the country’s third female PM. 

![liz truss.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/liz_truss_dcdbeed5e3.png)
 
Source: Twitter 

## Liz Truss, Prime Minister’s previous stance on crypto

The new premier is known to be a supporter of digital assets. In 2018, Liz Truss, Prime Minister, advocated for [welcoming cryptocurrencies](https://twitter.com/trussliz/status/958253646986272769) without limiting their potential. Moreover, she also supported an anti-regulatory approach toward digital assets. 

Besides, as International Trade Secretary, back in 2020, she set up a trading network for digital assets. It aimed to promote fintech business and several other measures for virtual currencies. 

## Liz Truss, Prime Minister policies for crypto

Though the new premier plans for crypto regulations have not been confirmed, investors are hopeful for positive measures. However, in her campaigning, she staunchly advocated for low taxes. Recently, she also vowed ’[a bold plan](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britains-truss-expected-be-named-conservative-leader-new-pm-2022-09-05/)’ for cutting taxes. She said, “I will deliver a bold plan to cut taxes and grow our economy.”

As the UK aims to become a [global crypto hub](/news/article/cryptocurrency-investment-uk), a pro-crypto PM’s policies can be helpful. As the next generational transfer of wealth will be digitally focused, it is imperative that the UK has a regulation that does not restrict innovation. 

However, the country is also introducing harsh regulations on digital asset firms, especially those related to stablecoins. It would be interesting to see whether the new government officials will continue with that or if there will be an anti-regulatory approach. 


Pro-crypto Liz Truss becomes UK Prime Minister

Under new rules enacted in response to concerns that Bitcoin and other crypto assets are used to circumvent sanctions imposed in Russia due to their invasion of Ukraine, [digital assets exchanges must report suspected sanctions violations](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/sep/04/crypto-exchanges-suspected-sanction-breaches-russia) to UK authorities.

On August 30, official guidance by the UK authority for digital assets was updated to explicitly include "crypto assets" as assets that must be frozen if sanctions are imposed on a person or company. Cryptoassets, in addition to digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, and Tether, could include other hypothetically valuable digital assets such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

According to the rules established by the Treasury's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, [crypto exchanges](/news/article/best-exchanges-for-crypto-uk) will commit a criminal violation if they fail to report clients designated for sanctions. According to the rules, crypto exchanges must act immediately if they suspect that one of their customers is subject to sanctions or if they suspect a breach of sanctions, putting them in the same category as estate agents, accountants, lawyers, and jewellers.

Using cryptocurrencies to avoid sanctions and move money around the world was already prohibited in the United Kingdom under laws that apply to all "economic resources." However, the change highlights authorities' concern about the relatively new assets, which could help evade sanctions because users do not conduct transactions through regulated entities.

## UK's response to Russian digital assets activity 

Financial sanctions against individuals and companies associated with Vladimir Putin's regime have been among the UK's most visible responses to the invasion of Ukraine. Cryptoassets are subject to sanctions regulations, according to a joint statement from UK financial regulators released in March. The EU forbade significant cryptocurrency transactions with Russia in April.

Sanctions have been aimed at oligarchs and family members with direct ties to cryptocurrency. Among them was Vladimir Potanin, the "nickel king" and former second-richest person in Russia, who supported the Swiss blockchain company Atomyze. 

Son of oligarch Mikhail Gutseriev said he held a stake in a cryptocurrency exchange in Belarus until August 2021 before being subjected to sanctions on the same day as Potanin in June. Oleg Deripaska, a billionaire in the metals industry, has previously pleaded with Russia's central bank to permit the use of bitcoin as a payment method. They have not been implicated in using crypto assets to circumvent sanctions.



UK digital assets firms to report sanction breaches

Recently, the United Kingdom and the European Union have introduced significant legislation to regulate cryptocurrencies. Both are working towards providing a safer environment to consumers. However, the divergence between EU and UK crypto regulations is becoming apparent. 

Since Brexit, the UK has been formulating new legal frameworks for different domains. Earlier, the [regulatory divergence](https://www.engage.hoganlovells.com/knowledgeservices/news/uk-and-eu-regulatory-divergence_1) for financial service providers gained much attention. Naturally, this divergence extended to virtual currency regularisation. 

The differences between the laws include the definition of crypto assets, virtual asset service providers (VASP), focus points in the enforcement strategy, and various others.

## How does UK crypto regulation differ?

One of the major differences between the EU and UK [crypto regulation](/news/article/crypto-regulations) is the definition. Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) focuses more on “digital settlement assets”. It mainly includes stablecoins as a payment method. However, it does not declare them as a form of investment. On the other hand, the MiCA act of the EU has a broader definition which allows a variety of new tokens to be included. 

Similarly, there are differences in the definition of service providers too. The MiCA framework also proposes a broader interpretation of VASPs. It expands from fiat to crypto to crypto exchanges. Moreover, it covers advisory, trading, and custody services too. In comparison, FCA legal framework covers only custody and exchanges as VASP.

Last month, the [US and UK crypto regulation](/news/article/uk-crypto-regulation) authorities began collaborating to foster the cryptocurrency and NFT market, acknowledging the importance of regulatory partnerships for a safe market.     

## Differences in enforcement strategy

Currently, FCA’s primary focus is on stablecoins to mitigate consumer risk. It is also working with the regulatory bodies of the United States to regularise the market and foster financial innovation. Moreover, like the US’s SEC, it might act against scams and declare some coins and tokens as securities. On the other hand, MiCA focuses on a broad approach that includes the AML laws and establishing a risk-free environment for regional investors. 



UK crypto regulation diverging from the EU

So you've been hearing a lot about cryptocurrencies and want to get in on the action, but you're not sure how? One way to start is by getting a crypto debit card.

There are a lot of crypto debit cards on the market, so it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That's why we've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best crypto debit cards in the U.K.

Topping our list is the [Revolut](/news/article/revolut-news-approved-eea). This card allows you to buy, hold and exchange 25 currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. It also offers free international ATM withdrawals and no exchange fees.

Next up is the [Coinbase](https://www.coinbase.com/card). This card allows you to spend your Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash anywhere that is Visa accepted. It also comes with 0% foreign transaction fees and no annual fees.

Finally, we have the [Wirex](https://wirexapp.com/en). This card is unique because it offers both traditional Visa and Bitcoin debit cards. It also comes with 0% foreign transaction fees, a contactless payment option, and mobile app support.

## What Are the Benefits of Using a Crypto Card?

There are a few benefits of using a crypto debit card. Firstly, it's a tremendous offline crypto wallet to store multiple currencies. It allows you to securely store your coins offline, which is vital for keeping them safe from theft or hacking.

Another benefit of using a crypto debit card is that it makes spending your cryptocurrencies easier. You can use this to buy goods and services online or in-store, just like you would with a regular debit card. This is a convenient way to use your coins for everyday transactions.

## How to use a crypto debit card

So, you've decided to buy a crypto card! Well done! These handy little cards make it easy to spend your cryptocurrency in the real world. But before you can start spending, you need to know how to use them.

### Here's some steps on how to use your crypto debit card:

1. First, make sure the crypto debit card is linked to your wallet.

2. Next, add funds to your card by transferring your cryptocurrency into the card's account or buy your digital currencies on the issuers application.

3. Once your crypto debit card has been funded, you can start spending! Some issuers require you to sell and convert your digital currency to fiat before spending and others will do the your digital currency to fiat conversion at spot on your behalf if your account is only funded in crypto. Just look for the merchant's logo and tap 'pay' on your card terminal.

4. Your funds will be transferred immediately to the merchant and you'll receive a digital receipt for your purchase. 

Easy!

 



What are the best crypto debit cards in the UK?


A leading cryptocurrency exchange, [Crypto.com](https://crypto.com/) gets authorisation to operate in the United Kingdom. The country’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) provided the registration, in which the Crypto.com news announced on Wednesday. This will allow the firm to expand its crypto asset business throughout the UK as per the country’s regulations. 

Co-Founder and CEO of the firm, Kris Marszalek, shared his views on the confirmation and declared it a ‘significant milestone’ for the exchange. He believes that as the UK is looking to become a [global crypto hub](/news/article/cryptocurrency-investment-uk), expanding the firms crypto services to the region at this time would benefit them. He also showed his commitment to cooperating with the FCA regulations in order to strike the balance of regulation and innovation.

## Crypto.com news: Exchange to trade under FORIS DAX UK LIMITED

Other Crypto.com news suggests that the exchange might not work with this name in the UK. However, the FCA has listed a company under the name FORIS DAX UK LIMITED with the authorisation for certain crypto asset activities. It will also follow anti-money laundering and terrorism financing regulations in the country. 

Under the FCA registered trading name, the platform can offer services including exchanging one digital token for another or exchanging digital token for fiat money or vice-versa. 

Apart from that, FCA is also maintaining a [list of unregistered businesses](https://register.fca.org.uk/s/search?predefined=U) involved in digital assets trading. Along with 248 other names, CryptoCOM is also on the list. Mainly, the FCA has not authorised these companies as they fail to comply with the money laundering regulations.

## Significant regulatory approvals for Crypto.com

In August, the exchange was able to secure significant regulatory approvals. Though the FCA approval is the most recent one for the firm. Crypto.com has been regularised by Canada’s Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and Cayman Islands’ monetary authority. Canada’s OSC approved a pre-registration undertaking from the firm on 15 August. Cayman Islands’ authorities also accepted the exchange as a virtual asset service provider on 11 August.  





Crypto.com news: The exchange gets UK approval

## How UK users can fund their Binance account

### Step 1: Register an account

UK Users can register for a Binance account with their email or phone number from the  App,  website, or desktop app.

### Step 2: Complete verification

UK users can complete [identity verification](https://www.binance.com/en/support/faq/360027287111) on their Binance account to unlock the Fiat deposit and withdrawal limits, which includes verifying their basic account information, providing ID documentation, and uploading a picture.

### Step 3: Buy crypto

## Deposit Fiat 

Users can deposit up to 50+ Fiat currencies, such as EUR, BRL, and AUD, to their Binance UK account using bank transfer and bank cards. Once deposited, they can use them to buy crypto directly.

## Buy crypto using a debit/credit card

Users can also buy crypto directly using their credit/debit card on the Binance website or the lite mode on the Binance app.

## Buy crypto via P2P

Users can also go to the [Binance P2P](https://www.binance.com/en/support/faq/360043832851) page, select "buy crypto", and click "P2P trading" on the top navigation.

Investors can select the currency they want to buy. They can also filter the price and the "payment" in the drop-down, select an ad, and then click "buy".

Investors must enter the amount or quantity they want and click "buy."

The payment method and amount confirmations are on the order details page.

Investors must complete their fiat transactions within the payment time limit. Then click "transferred, next" and "confirm".

Once the cryptocurrency is released and the transaction completed. Users can click "transfer to spot wallet" to transfer the digital assets to their spot wallet.

Users can also click "check my account" above the button to view the digital asset they just bought.

Make a deposit or transfer crypto from the existing wallet

Users can log in to the Binance UK account and click wallet-overview 

Users then click deposit and see a pop-up window with the following options. 

1) Make a crypto deposit
2) Make a Fiat deposit

If users choose the crypto deposit option, they can select between [BTC](/coins/btc), ETH, USDT, BNB and EOS.

Next, investors choose the deposit network; however, users must ensure the selected network is the same as the platform they are withdrawing from to avoid losing funds.

Users can select BNB, BSC, ETH, SOL, and TRX.

Users must click to copy their Binance UK wallet's deposit address and paste it to the address field on the platform that they intend to withdraw crypto.

The transaction can take time to approve, depending on the blockchain and its current network traffic.

Funds are credited to the user's Binance account right after.

### Step 5: Explore Binance UK products

## Spot trading

Users can trade hundreds of cryptocurrencies in the spot market, including BNB. As well as develop tokens on the Binance smart chain.

Be warned, Binance is cheap to buy but could cost you your coins

As a last word of caution, be weary of keeping your crypto in Binances hot storage wallet, as, they have been known to be hacked and for suspending withdrawals to UK customers. 

What’s more, as they operate in an unregulated industry there is limited to no accountability and guardrails. Binance recently halted Bitcoin withdrawals, citing technical difficulties. [According to a tweet](https://fortune.com/2022/06/13/binance-pauses-bitcoin-withdrawals-changpeng-cz-zhao/), the platform momentarily suspended bitcoin withdrawals early on Monday, June 13, 2022, due to a stalled transaction producing a backlog. 

It may be cost effective to buy your crypto currency on Binance and transfer it to a cold storage wallet such as a Ledger. Consider transaction costs (network fee’s) to transfer coins out from the Binance and understand the risks of buying and holding your coins on the platform.


Guide to the Binance platform for UK users

Ripple entered the crypto space back in 2012 as a promising project. It offered a low-priced, fast, and cross-border money transferring service that gained great popularity. However, in 2020, it faced a severe [lawsuit](/news/article/ripple-xrp-latest-news) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. The case is yet to be concluded, but it has affected the popularity of XRP.

Ripple faced a lawsuit because it deviated from its fundamental goal of providing secure cross-border money transferring service. However, its impact on the token’s price is still unclear. So, if you are wondering about the XRP price in the UK, here are some insights!

## What is the SEC vs Ripple case?

The US’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a case on Ripple Labs in December 2020 for raising funds through XRP. In 2013, the firm allegedly raised more than $1.3 billion through illicit means. The complaint from the SEC involved charges against the current and previous executives for making gains. 

## SEC’s complaint

As per the SEC’s complaint, the company raised capital by holding its native token’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) without registering it as a security. The firm sold XRP as an unregistered security to the investors. Investors bought the tokens considering their shares in a venture, hoping their price would gradually increase.

According to the [SEC press release](https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2020-338) ‘Ripple allegedly distributed billions of XRP in exchange for non-cash consideration, such as labor and market-making services. According to the complaint, in addition to structuring and promoting the XRP sales used to finance the company's business, the founders Larsen and Garlinghouse also effected personal unregistered sales of XRP totaling approximately $600 million’. SEC advocates that these tokens should be classified as securities rather than utility tokens.

## Ripple’s Stance

On the other hand, Ripple claims that the SEC did not warn the firm about the issue. According to its lawyers, the SEC did not notify Ripple’s executives about the classification of XRP as a security. The US regulator also confirms this stance. 

Moreover, lawyers also claim that the SEC has been biased towards the firm. They have claimed that various crypto firms like Ethereum have connections with a few SEC members. However, it has not been established in court yet.
 
## What will be the implications on XRP price (UK)?

So far, the US court has not announced a date for giving the verdict, but the case is approaching conclusion. The proceedings of the case might not only affect Ripple Labs but can also negatively impact the crypto market. The reason is that if the court weighs in with SEC’s claim of XRP being declared a security, it would also apply to various other virtual currencies working with the exact mechanism. 

If the court declares the token a security, the XRP price will come crashing down. The XRP price in the UK might not be able to recover. Also, as it can be a legal precedent for all the countries, it will likely affect the entire crypto market. Moreover, Ripple can question Ethereum too, as it can also fall under the definition of security. This might further aggravate the ongoing crypto winter. 

Nonetheless, this would be the case only if the SEC wins the case. Otherwise, if Ripple Labs wins this court battle, we might see the XRP price (UK) getting strengthened. 




SEC vs Ripple case influence on XRP price in UK

A cryptocurrency exchange is a platform for purchasing and selling crypto coins and tokens such as Bitcoin, Ether, and USD Coin (USDC).

Crypto exchanges function similarly to brokerage systems that you may be more familiar with. Each service provides a platform via which you can establish various order types to [buy, sell and lend cryptocurrencies.](/articles/learn-moni/cryptocurrency-trading)

Crypto exchanges can be either centralised, which implies a single corporate authority manages them, such as a brokerage business, allowing both listed securities (centralised finance) and digital assets (decentralised finance). 

Decentralised exchanges, similar to cryptocurrency blockchains, frequently grant verification rights to anybody wishing to join a network and confirm transactions. This encourages accountability and openness while also ensuring that the exchange can continue operating if the corporation that manages the exchange cannot do so.

## How do I create a cryptocurrency exchange account?

Visit the crypto exchange’s website or download its app to establish a crypto exchange account. Each cryptocurrency exchange has its own registration procedure. You may be able to open an account and buy and sell modest quantities of cryptocurrency without validating your identity or entering much personal information. However, as the sector has expanded, methods to combat money laundering and fraud have been implemented. In general as part of know your client (KYC) requirements, you must provide:

1.	Name
2.	The birthdate
3.	The postal address

You may also be required to provide picture documentation to prove your identity.
When it comes to crypto, everyone is looking for the safest and most reliable way to invest and trade. Several different exchanges are available, but not all are created equal.

This post will review the top five best exchanges for crypto in the UK. We’ll review the pros and cons of each and how to use them. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, this post has something for you.

## Coinbase

Coinbase was established in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam and is based in San Francisco, California.

Coinbase has built a large user base thanks to its user-friendly interface, reliable platform, and robust security features. It supports a number of cryptocurrencies including [Bitcoin](/coins/btc), Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and Litecoin transactions and has over 20 million users.

While Coinbase is a reliable exchange, it does have some downsides. For example, its fees are relatively high, and it doesn’t support as many cryptocurrencies as some competitors.

## Gemini

Gemini is a name that often comes up when choosing a reliable crypto exchange. This platform was founded by the Winklevoss twins (of Facebook fame) and is one of the most respected exchanges in the world.

Gemini is known for its security and compliance measures, as well as its customer service. The platform has a user-friendly interface and allows buying and selling of most of the cryptocurrencies, including, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

## Kraken

Kraken, one of the most popular crypto exchanges, offers many cryptocurrencies. It’s been operating since 2011 and is considered one of the most reliable exchanges.

Kraken has a relatively high minimum deposit amount, so it may not be ideal for beginners. However, its features, such as a user-friendly interface, high liquidity, and security, make it a popular choice for experienced traders.

## Binance

Binance is among the most popular crypto exchanges in the world. It’s known for its fast transactions, low fees, and wide selection of cryptocurrencies.

Binance has suffered a few outages in the past, but overall it’s been a very reliable exchange. The customer support is also excellent and offers a wide range of languages.

## eToro

eToro is a multi-asset exchange platform that allows users to invest in publicly listed securities such as equities and cryptocurrency assets, as well as trade CFDs. Over 120 cryptocurrencies are available on eToro, including prominent coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, XRP, Binance Coin (BNB), and Solana. Opening an account with eToro is entirely free, and all new customers receive a free US$100,000 (£82,737) trial account to experiment with buying crypto and other assets before committing to trading or investing in them. eToro has a minimum deposit of only $10 (£8.27) for UK and US residents; however, it charges a 1% trading fee on every buy and sells order of crypto assets. 

For UK users, eToro provides the eToro Money app, which allows you to convert GBP to USD for free, lowering your foreign exchange expenditures. The platform also serves as a wallet for keeping your crypto currency holdings and enables simple cryptocurrency transfers from one exchange or wallet to another. There are [other fee’s](https://www.etoro.com/customer-service/help/1430821/which-fees-and-commissions-does-etoro-have/) that you should review before committing to use eToro as your broker.

## Bottom line

When picking a best crypto exchange, available in UK, it can be challenging to know where to start. With so many exchanges on the market claiming to be the best, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. It’s better to conduct further research about available crypto exchanges and multi asset exchanges, know the pros and cons of each platform, and choose the one that suits your requirements best. 

Don't forget, Moni Talks will soon be launching Trade Moni- a brand new cryptocurrency trading and exchange platform, so keep your eyes peeled. 



Latest Moni

UK Crypto News

Read the latest UK crypto news.

Santander UK news - Crypto transfers blocked

FTX UK Warning from FCA

PGI Global Closed by UK High Court

The Best Crypto Cards in the UK

UK Crypto License Update

Digital Bank Revolut gets approval to offer crypto services in UK

Is a Free NFT Giveaway Legit?

Pi Network News: Pi Going Global?

FTX vs Binance clash: Binance to liquidate funds