Ruby Layram 20th Jan 2025
Cryptocurrency trading has surged in popularity, and for UK investors, selecting a platform that is both reliable and compliant with the Financial Conduct Authority (or FCA) is crucial for smart investing.
As a UK investor myself, I have tried numerous cryptocurrency exchanges including centralized exchanges, crypto trading apps and decentralized platforms. In this guide, I will reveal my top FCA-registered crypto exchanges that I like due to their ease of use, variety of coins available and security features.
Investing through an FCA-registered exchange provides investors with a sense of security and confidence. FCA registration ensures that the platform complies with strict UK financial regulations, including robust anti-money laundering and consumer protection measures. This means that the exchange must follow transparent processes, safeguard client funds, and operate in a trustworthy manner.
Additionally, FCA-registered exchanges often offer better dispute-resolution processes (a fancy term for settling complications) and are subject to regular audits, providing investors with a higher level of accountability.
For anyone looking to invest in cryptocurrencies, using an FCA-registered exchange helps mitigate risks and ensures a more secure and regulated environment for their investments.
Kraken, launched way back in 2011, is one of the longest-standing cryptocurrency exchanges, and it’s earned its stripes in the crypto world. Known for rock-solid security and a huge lineup of cryptocurrencies, it’s got everything from Bitcoin and Ethereum to a treasure trove of over 200 altcoins.
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into trading or you’re a seasoned pro, Kraken’s got the tools to keep you covered. Plus, with flexible payment options like bank transfers and credit cards, it makes buying and selling crypto as smooth as it gets.
I also like the platform’s low fees – amongst the most competitive that we found! However, the variable fee structure may be a bit confusing to wrap your head around at first – you can find more information on the Kraken website.
Kraken stands out as one of the best FCA-registered exchanges to use because it provides an excellent range of features that appeal to both beginner and experienced crypto investors.
CoinJar has been in operation since 2013. With a London-based support team, CoinJar can serve the UK market with an understanding of local needs and regulations.
Their app is user-friendly for beginners, while their exchange is more suited to experienced traders.
Coinjar has been recognised for its competitive fees with Coinjar placing first in Finder’s Awards for best trading value.”
Whether you’re converting fiat to crypto, crypto to fiat, or trading between cryptocurrencies, CoinJar’s 1% fee keeps your costs down. CoinJar Exchange offers even more competitive rates of 0-0.1%. And CoinJar doesn’t charge fees for deposits and withdrawals using Faster Payments (FPS).
Customers can also automate their crypto investments with recurring buys, enabling them to dollar-cost average their way into the market. And, CoinJar Bundles are a way to diversify a portfolio with a single click by investing in curated bundles of cryptocurrencies.
This article is not to be read as investment, legal or tax advice and it takes no account of particular personal or market circumstances; all readers should seek independent investment advice before investing in cryptocurrencies. Crypto can have extreme price volatility, often experiencing rapid and unpredictable price fluctuations within short periods.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
You might already know eToro as one of the best UK investment platforms for social trading.
As well as offering access to the traditional stock market, eToro has now it’s added cryptocurrencies to its lineup. With FCA registration, UK users can trade with confidence knowing the platform is secure and compliant.
The social trading feature is eToro’s claim to fame—it lets you follow and even copy the trades of seasoned investors, making it great for those new to the game. You can also invest in a range of ready-made smart portfolios that do the asset-picking for you, making it easy to build a diverse portfolio.
It is a brilliant option if you are interested in investing in stocks and cryptos under one roof.
Coinbase is undoubtedly one of the most well-known cryptocurrency exchanges. It has built up a good reputation thanks to its user-friendly interface, simple payment methods and wide selection of available crypto assets.
Although most people praise the exchange for its simple design, I was more impressed by the exchange’s native crypto wallet. When you sign up to the Coinbase exchange, you get access to a free crypto wallet which can be used to send your cryptos to-and-from a variety of other platforms.
Coinbase’s fees include a spread and a flat fee, which can be on the higher side. But with top-notch security features like two-factor authentication and insurance for your digital assets, you get peace of mind.
The exchange is best suited to long-term investors rather than day trading.
It’s all well and good knowing which crypto exchanges are registered with the FCA. But, how do you know which of the above exchanges it the best option for you?
Here are a few things to consider.
It goes without saying that complete beginners should opt for a platform that is easy to navigate and provides a range of educational resources such as webinars, walk-through tutorials and FAQs.
Although it might be tempting to sign up for the exchange that offers the shiniest features, simple might be the most effective choice!
Kraken and Coinbase are all relatively easy to use and provide a good range of educational resources. Out of the 3, Coinbase is probably the most well-known and has an excellent customer support team who are available around the clock.
Experienced investors might prefer the advanced tools that are Kraken.
If you are just testing the waters, it might be worth opting for a platform that offers a low minimum deposit. For example, Coinbase allows you to invest from just £1.
Furthermore, eToro provides a free demo trading account which you can use to try your hand at crypto investing without putting any of your money on the line.
Platform fees are the fees that are charged for making trades, depositing funds, withdrawing cash and holding open trades in your account.
Watch out for exchanges that charge steep fees! During my review, I found that Coinjar is one of the cheapest cryptocurrency exchanges, followed by Kraken.
Trading fees are particularly important to traders who are interested in placing regular trades or moving their crypto holdings between different platforms.
Most reputable exchanges provide an overview of the fees that are charged on their website. I recommend taking time to familiarize yourself with these before signing up!
While all cryptocurrency investing comes with risk, Coinbase stands out as one of the most secure cryptocurrency exchanges. The exchange offers insurance to all investors as well as robust security measures.
Cryptocurrency isn’t regulated in the UK. However, some exchanges are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered exchanges must comply with guidelines that are put in place to protect investors.
Are you interested in learning more about investing? Why not sign up to the MoneyMagpie bi-weekly Investing Newsletter? It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time if you find it isn’t for you.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Join our newsletter
Get weekly ideas, deals & freebies
New data capture form 2023
"*" indicates required fields
Direct to your inbox every week
Newsletter Sign-up 2023
New data capture form 2023
"*" indicates required fields
New data capture form 2023
"*" indicates required fields
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Jasmine Birtles
[email protected]
Press & PR Enquiries
[email protected]
Advertising Enquiries
[email protected]
The MoneyMagpie Site is intended for reference purposes only and use of the Site and/or the Content is entirely at your own risk. You should always carry out your own research and/or take specific professional advice before choosing any financial products or services or undertaking any business or financial venture. Please note that, whilst we endeavour to provide accurate and useful information, the Content may not be wholly accurate or up-to-date and is subject to change, often at very short notice.
Bold links are affiliate links that help fund us to keep writing informative, free articles. We only link to companies and offers that we think are genuinely good.
© MoneyMagpie | Web Design by Cariad Marketing
New data capture form 2023. This is for the popup form to avoid duplicate IDs.
"*" indicates required fields
Free eBook: Investments That Return 10% (or More!)
Download Now
