The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced that starting October 8, 2025, individual investors will be granted access to crypto-supported exchange product notes (ETNs).
However, this access is limited to products traded in UK-based Accredited Investment Exchange (RIE) approved by the FCA. The ban on existing Crypto Derivatives products remains intact.
The FCA stressed that the new move will offer investors a great option, but it will not be protected under the Financial Services Compensation Regime (FSC). This means investors will not have government-supported protections in the event of losses. Additionally, product promotions are subject to financial promotion regulations and prevent the provision of inappropriate incentives to consumers.
“We are pleased to announce that David Geale, executive director of FCA’s payment systems and digital finance unit,” said David Geale.
“Since restricting access to retail investors, the cryptocurrency ETN market has evolved, and products are more widely available and better understood. This will allow consumers to choose more while the necessary protections are in place. In this way, people have access to the information they need to assess whether the risk level is appropriate.”
Under the new regulations, businesses that provide these products to investors will be subject to consumer obligation regulations. This requires businesses to treat consumers fairly and provide products tailored to their needs.
*This is not investment advice.