- Proposal allows retail investors to buy one crypto ETN listed on a recognized exchange
- ETN issuers must meet strict disclosure and liquidity requirements
- Retail buyers are warned they could lose all invested capital
The UK FCA has proposed lifting its ban on cryptocurrency exchange-traded notes (ETNs) for retail investors. The change would allow individuals to access crypto ETNs listed on recognized investment exchanges. The proposal is part of broader regulatory efforts aimed at adjusting oversight in the growing digital asset sector. According to the UK FCA, this move is intended to give consumers the ability to choose whether to invest in high-risk products. The update comes at a time when crypto ownership is increasing across the country. Public feedback will play a role in shaping the final decision.
UK FCA Proposed ETN Change
The FCA originally banned crypto ETNs in late 2021, citing concerns over retail investors’ understanding of complex underlying structures and extreme volatility risks. After nearly four years, the UK FCA believes the market has matured substantially, with better custody solutions and more transparent pricing models. Under the new proposal, any crypto ETN must be approved by the regulator and listed on a recognized exchange. Issuers would be required to provide detailed disclosures, including the percentage of physical backing for each token, monthly third-party audit reports verifying reserves, and a clear explanation that 100 percent of invested capital could be lost if the underlying asset collapses or if the issuer faces insolvency.
Only ETNs meeting strict liquidity thresholds—such as daily average trading volumes of at least £100,000 during the previous three calendar months—would be eligible for listing. Furthermore, annual management fees would be capped at 1.5 percent of the total asset value, matching the highest fee structures seen in European markets. If the FCA approves multiple issuers, the total assets under management in crypto ETNs could range from £50 million to £200 million within the first six months, depending on investor appetite and marketing efforts. By mandating that ETNs trade within standard UK market hours, the FCA also aims to reduce pricing gaps that can arise in 24/7 cryptocurrency markets.
Impact on Retail Investors
Allowing retail access to crypto ETNs transforms how a typical British investor might buy Bitcoin or Ether. Instead of managing private keys and crypto wallets, an investor could purchase shares of an ETN through a brokerage account in much the same way they buy equities. Because ETNs track the performance of the underlying asset without requiring direct custody, they bypass certain technical barriers that deter less experienced users. However, the FCA emphasizes that this convenience does not eliminate risk: if the price of Bitcoin drops by 80 percent, the ETN share value follows that decline.
Once listed, crypto ETNs could appear in major retail trading platforms alongside traditional ETFs, making it easier for noninstitutional traders to allocate a small percentage of their portfolio—perhaps 1 to 5 percent—to digital assets. Surveys commissioned by the FCA indicate that nearly 70 percent of current crypto holders in the UK use centralized exchanges, but only 15 percent understand the intricacies of custody. ETNs could shift more retail volume toward regulated environments, provided issuers deliver transparent, real-time price updates. Still, loss of principal remains a primary concern: the FCA’s requirement that product brochures include a bold, standalone warning stating, “You could lose all the money you invest,” ensures that potential buyers cannot ignore the hazard.
UK FCA Ongoing Crypto Regulatory Framework
The proposal to lift the ban on crypto ETNs forms part of a broader effort to finalize a comprehensive digital asset rulebook by September 2025. In late May 2025, the regulator sought feedback on stablecoin regulations and custody provider standards. Under draft guidance, stablecoin issuers—whether backed by fiat or algorithmic mechanisms—must maintain reserves matching 100 percent of circulating tokens and submit monthly proof of backing. Any deviation, such as a 5 percent shortfall, would trigger immediate suspension of issuance until reserves are replenished. Custodians, meanwhile, must hold client assets in segregated accounts, undergo quarterly audits, and maintain a minimum capital buffer equal to 5 percent of total client holdings.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has made clear that the UK aims to rank among the first major economies with a unified crypto framework. By early 2025, polling showed that the UK leads the world in the growth rate of crypto adoption, outpacing the United States, Germany, and Canada. The FCA’s outreach includes coordinating with the Bank of England to assess a potential retail central bank digital currency. If “Britcoin” or a comparable token launches, the regulator will need to address interoperability with private stablecoins and exchange-traded products. Public feedback on draft rules closes on June 30, and the FCA expects to implement final regulations regarding custody and stablecoins by late September 2025.
Political Context Around UK FCA Decision
The timing of the proposal coincided with heated discussions in the House of Commons over digital political donations. On June 5, Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden told MPs that as finance evolves, regulations must adapt to safeguard transparency in elections. Member of Parliament Sarah Olney warned that accepting crypto contributions could allow undisclosed funds to enter political campaigns. She insisted that any donation “without a permissible or identifiable source” must be returned immediately. The day before, Nigel Farage, leading Reform UK, announced that his party would become the first British political group able to accept Bitcoin and other crypto donations from eligible donors. Farage stated, “People with Bitcoin can give us money, provided they’re eligible,” prompting debates over how to verify donor identities and trace transactions—even though blockchain records are publicly accessible, linking wallet addresses to individual identities remains challenging.
In response, the UK FCA began collaborating with the Electoral Commission to explore a mechanism whereby any crypto donation to a political party must pass through an FCA-regulated exchange or wallet provider capable of customer identification. This arrangement would mirror existing rules for traditional donations, ensuring that donors meet legal eligibility criteria. If implemented, political parties could accept digital assets without bypassing transparency laws, and the FCA might require exchanges to flag any transaction exceeding £500 for further investigation—a threshold similar to that used in anti–money laundering protocols.
Conclusion
The decision to propose lifting the ban on retail access to cryptocurrency ETNs demonstrates the FCA’s commitment to balancing investor protection with innovation. By insisting that all crypto ETNs be listed on recognized exchanges, the regulator aims to harness existing market infrastructure to provide transparency and oversight. Combined with the forthcoming stablecoin and custody regulations due by autumn 2025, the UK is poised to become one of the first major financial centers with a cohesive set of rules for consumer-facing digital asset products. As political debates continue over crypto contributions in elections, the FCA’s ongoing collaborations with other regulatory bodies highlight its belief that a clear, unified framework is essential for fostering both trust and growth in the digital economy.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The article does not offer sufficient information to make investment decisions, nor does it constitute an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. The content is opinion of the author and does not reflect any view or suggestion or any kind of advise from CryptoNewsBytes.com. The author declares he does not hold any of the above mentioned tokens or received any incentive from any company.
